Truck driver facing DUI manslaughter after crash left 8 workers dead says he was driving 'very carefully'
MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA: A driver who was allegedly driving under the influence and crashed into a bus transporting migrant workers—resulting in eight fatalities and injuries to many others on a rural road in Florida—has a history of traffic violations.
Bryan Maclean Howard, 41, is currently charged with eight counts of DUI manslaughter. According to a probable cause affidavit on May 14, Howard struck a bus carrying migrant workers while driving a Ford Ranger down State Road 40 in Marion County the wrong way.
Howard Bryan denies any memory of the crash to troopers
When the bus got into a field, it struck two fences before leaving the road and flipping over. On the spot, seven of the bus's employees were declared dead by medical professionals.
Medical officials said seven of the workers were pronounced dead at the scene. At least one person died at the scene and another died in the hospital. Thirty-three passengers were transported to the hospital in addition to Howard. When first responders arrived at the scene, Howard was unconscious.
According to the affidavit, Howard had bloodshot, watery eyes, and slurred speech when he regained consciousness at the hospital. Howard consented to have a blood sample taken by Florida Highway Patrol officers.
He also took a Breathalyzer test, and the results were 0.00. Howard denied any memory of the crash to troopers. He claimed that the previous evening, he was out with a friend who was in possession of a medical marijuana card.
He admitted that the two used vape pens to smoke marijuana oil. Upon arriving at his parents' place, he dozed off between 11.30 pm and midnight. He woke up at dawn and got into his Ranger.
When the collision took place, Howard was traveling to an Ocala methadone clinic. In response to the affidavit, he claimed he was driving "very carefully" because he had been in another accident three days prior.
Bryan Howard arrested on suspicion of DUI manslaughter
The affidavit further states that the suspect mentioned he "wrapped his mother’s car around a tree trying to avoid an animal that ran out in front of him." After that, Howard was put through a series of sobriety tests by the troopers, which he failed.
He was placed under arrest on suspicion of DUI manslaughter. A witness informed troops that she saw Howard swerving his car just before the collision.
He disclosed to the judge during his initial appearance hearing on May 15 morning that he works for himself as a painter and drywall installer and has $700 in his bank account.
Bryan Howard has a long history of traffic violations
According to records, Howard has a long history of traffic violations going back more than 20 years. The most recent instance occurred in 2021 when he was discovered driving for the third time while his license was suspended.
The accusation was dropped. He was arrested in 2019 for reckless driving and fleeing the scene of an accident with only property damage. Based on the records, he served six months of probation and was jailed for twelve days.
Howard served a 30-day jail sentence in 2006 for fleeing the scene of an accident. Records also indicate that he received tickets for not wearing a seatbelt in 2003 and 2004.
The migrant workers were reportedly en route to harvest watermelons at Cannon Farms in Dunnellon when the accident occurred. Howard has entered a plea of not guilty.
