Three locals involved in accident at Peter's Point

Submitted by Susan Hardee Steger

September 6, 2016 6:04 p.m.

An officer from the Nassau County Sheriff's Officer inspects vehicle involved in accident.

Driving in a “careless or negligent manner” and suspected “alcohol use” are cited in a Nassau County Sheriff’s Office Police Report filed after an accident at Peter’s Point on Sunday at approximately 5:00 a.m. The driver of the vehicle, Phillip Edward Bunch age 46 from Fernandina Beach, was transported from the scene in critical condition. None of the three occupants were wearing seat belts, causing two of the three occupants to be partially ejected from the vehicle.

According to the report, the “extent of injuries” prevented the officer on the scene from interviewing the driver and performing drug and alcohol testing.

A witness to the incident observed the vehicle, “doing doughtnuts” in the sand, and causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. The vehicle rolled over “at least three times.”

The speed was estimated at 25 mph. Earlier unconfirmed reports incorrectly estimated the speed at 60 mph.

Excessive alcohol is suspected since consumed and partially consumed beer was found in the vehicle.

The police report listed conditions in the area at the time of the accident as dark and cloudy.

Other passengers in the vehicle were Fernandina Beach residents Temple Christina Bryant, and Bobby Jack Hernandez.

Criminal charges are pending since the officer awaits a subpoena to be issued to allow a blood test, and following an interview with the occupants.