Suspected drunk driver arrested following fatal crash

Written By Meredith Frameli

November 3, 2024 

Case #:2024-008947 

Bradenton Police Department’s Traffic Homicide Unit is investigating a fatal crash involving a suspected drunk driver.  

 According to Traffic Homicide Investigators, at approximately 10:40 p.m. on Saturday, November 2, 2024, Cesar Navarrete, 25, was speeding westbound on Cortez Rd. in his Nissan Altima. Navarette ran a red light and slammed into the passenger side of a Chevrolet Equinox that was turning onto northbound 43rd St W. 

The passenger in the Equinox, Sara Holmes, 37, was transported to a nearby trauma center and succumbed to her injuries this morning. The Equinox driver, 36, has non-life-threatening injuries. 

Navarrete and the passenger in the Altima were also injured.  

BPD arrested Navarrete on an outstanding warrant for driving with a suspended license. Investigators suspect Navarrete was impaired at the time of the crash and conducted a DUI investigation. Additional charges are pending the outcome of the investigation.  

Meredith Frameli
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