Sarasota police improve charges against driver in fatal DUI crash

SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) – Sarasota Police have upgraded the charge against Joshua Slieff from DUI causing serious bodily injury (felony) to DUI manslaughter (felony).

This change follows the death of the driver, who succumbed to his injuries.

The fatal crash occurred at the intersection of Fruitville Road and Tuttle Avenue on October 23 at 9:51 p.m.

Video evidence and witness statements show that Slieff was speeding when he stopped at the back of a Toyota sedan at a red light.

The passenger of the Toyota was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police suspect that alcohol played a role in the accident.

Slieff has been charged with the following:

Manslaughter under the influence (felony) (x2)
Refusal to submit to a blood alcohol test

The Sarasota Police Department Traffic Unit continues to investigate this crash. Anyone with information about this accident is asked to call Sarasota Police at 941-263-6025.

Slieff is being held in the Sarasota County Jail without bond.