Port Charlotte DUI deadly car crash

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PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. – One person is behind bars and one person is dead after a car crash in Port Charlotte Saturday afternoon.

It happened near the intersection of Kenilworth Boulevard and Santa Marta Street around 4:15 p.m. Florida Highway Patrol says a pick up truck was turning left on Santa Marta Street when 24-year-old David Piacitelli drove on the grass shoulder in an attempt to pass the truck.

The impact of the crash sent Piacitelli’s car to flip and his passenger was ejected. Troopers say the passenger was 56-year-old Arthur Gassner, Jr. was taken to Lee Memorial Hospital, where he later died.

According to investigators, Piacitelli appeared to be under the influence of alcohol and was arrested on the charge of DUI manslaughter.

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