SPRING HILL, Fla. — A mother from Weeki Wachee and her infant son were killed Monday morning in a crash on U.S. 19, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
It happened Monday morning when troopers say the driver of a pickup truck, later identified as 30-year-old Corey Andrew French, was traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of U.S. 19 at the intersection of Breakwater Boulevard.
At the same time, FHP reports the mother and son's SUV was attempting to turn north onto U.S. 19 when it entered the path of the pickup and was struck.
Post-impact, the truck then crashed into another SUV in a nearby turn lane, which caused a chain reaction involving a fourth car.
Troopers closed U.S. 19 at Berkeley Manor Boulevard for hours Monday as drivers were asked to seek alternate routes.
On Tuesday afternoon, French was released from an area hospital and arrested by troopers for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and violation of injunction for possessing a firearm. He was booked in the Hernando County Jail.
Charges related to the crash are pending as troopers continue to investigate.
FHP is asking anyone who might have seen or has video evidence of a prior crash involving a maroon 2014 Chevrolet pickup to give them a call. It's believed that crash happened just before the deadly collision involving the mother and her son.
People can call FHP at 813-558-1800 with any information.