Second arrest made in April fatal Cape Coral vehicle wreck

CAPE CORAL, Fla. — A second suspect was arrested Friday in connection to a fatal crash on Northeast Pine Island Road in April, according to the Cape Coral Police Department.

Francis Paulette III, 20, of North Fort Myers, is being charged with driving under the influence having a blood alcohol content (BAC) over 0.150.

Michael Getts, 35, and Lonnie Retherford, 36, who had been drinking beforehand, were driving on Pine Island Road. While trying to change lanes, Getts struck Paulette’s car, forcing both cars off the road and into a ditch.

The cars went up in flames and both men were pulled to safety by Chris Allyn, a good Samaritan whose motorcycle was hit by debris from the crash. Retherford died in the hospital and Getts is facing several charges, including vehicular homicide.

An investigation determined that while Paulette didn’t contribute or cause the accident, as his car was the one who was struck, it was confirmed his BAC was 0.203 at the time of the accident.

Paulette was issued a criminal court date and released. A mugshot wasn’t available.