Sarasota man killed in fatal Drunk Driving Crash - Suspect Arrested

Fleeing the Scene

A 55-year-old Sarasota man died in a fatal drunk driving crash. The suspect, a Bradenton driver, was arrested after fleeing the scene of the crash.

Police reports confirm that a 55-year-old Sarasota man died in a drunken driving crash. He was driving his car on Washington Boulevard early Friday, December 7 when he was struck by a drunk driver. He was later pronounced dead at the scene.

The victim, identified as Scott R. Parker, 55, of Sarasota, was driving a 1999 Ford Mustang when he was hit by 29-year-old Siosaia K. Fonua of Bradenton who was riding a 1995 Mercury on northbound U.S. 301. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the incident took place at 47th Street at about 12:50 a.m.

A detailed report by FHP revealed that the Mercury struck the left side of the Mustang and the driver of the Mustang left the scene of the crash. However, he was found soon after by the law enforcement. The driver, identified as Siosaia K. Fonua, 29, was a resident of 4324 55th Ave. Drive East. He sustained minor injuries as a result of the accident and was taken to Sarasota Memorial Hospital for treatment.

Fonua faces several charges including DUI Manslaughter, driving on a suspended license and leaving the scene of a crash involving a death.

His police record shows that Fonua has a lengthy criminal record. His first run in with the law was at the age of 18 years, when he received his first DUI. Then in 2001, Fonua was charged with driving under the influence. His court records show that he was sentenced to community service and to probation. Then in 2006, Fonua again had a run in with the authorities, but this time for felony robbery charges. He contested to the charges and received probation. He then violated his probation terms in 2008 and received credits for time served in jail.

Again in 2009, Fonua was charged and convicted for DUI. He also faced other charges for providing a false name to Manatee County Sheriff’s deputies and driving on a suspended license for a third or subsequent offense. His court records also show that he refused to submit himself to a blood alcohol test during that arrest. After the incident in 2009, Fonua faced license suspension in October 2011 for not appearing in court.