In a tragic incident on March 17, 2025, retired Polk County Deputy Sergeant Dan Cooley was fatally struck by a suspected drunk driver while attempting to remove debris from a roadway in Bartow, Florida. The driver, Aaron Wells, had an 11-year-old child in the vehicle at the time of the accident.
According to the Polk County Sheriff's Office, 69-year-old Dan Cooley had pulled over on Van Fleet Drive to retrieve a large tote that had fallen from his vehicle, posing a hazard in the center lane. While Cooley was retrieving the item, 50-year-old Aaron Wells of Winter Haven was driving westbound in the center lane and struck Cooley before coming to a stop. First responders transported Cooley to Bartow Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead despite resuscitation efforts.
Deputies at the scene reported that Wells exhibited signs of impairment, including slurred speech, watery eyes, and the odor of alcohol. Field sobriety tests indicated impairment, and subsequent breath tests measured his blood alcohol content at .092 and .105, both above the legal limit of .08. Wells admitted to consuming several beers prior to driving. An 11-year-old girl was also in the vehicle but was not injured. Wells was arrested and charged with DUI manslaughter and negligent child abuse.
Sergeant Dan Cooley dedicated over 20 years to the Polk County Sheriff's Office, beginning his service in March 1986 and retiring in June 2007. Sheriff Grady Judd remembered him as a committed public servant with a vision for the future, stating, "He was all in. He loved to talk. He was the guy who had a vision for the future."
At Haggard Crime Victim Attorneys, we understand the profound impact that DUI-related tragedies have on families and communities. Our firm is dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive legal support to those affected by such incidents, ensuring that their rights are upheld and justice is pursued.
Our services include:
Case Evaluation: Thorough assessment of the circumstances to determine the most effective legal strategy.
Representation: Advocating for victims' rights throughout the legal process, including during investigations and court proceedings.
Support Services: Connecting clients with counseling and community resources to aid in the healing process.
Michael Haggard, Esq., managing attorney at Haggard Crime Victim Attorneys, emphasizes the firm's commitment to supporting families affected by DUI-related incidents in Florida:
"The loss of a loved one due to impaired driving is a devastating event that leaves families searching for answers and justice. Our mission is to stand with these families, providing unwavering legal support to hold responsible parties accountable and to seek the justice they deserve."
While no legal action can fully alleviate the pain caused by such a tragic event, pursuing justice is a crucial step toward healing for victims' families. It is essential that those affected have access to experienced legal counsel and support services during this challenging time.
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options. Together, we can work toward holding responsible parties accountable and securing the justice and compensation you and your family deserve.
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