ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. — A local man was arrested for speeding and drugs just weeks before the Wednesday crash that killed his friend.
Jesse Viva, 21, was driving a 1997 red Porsche Boxter Wednesday morning when he slammed into a pole. Police said he was speeding, and criminal charges are possible.
Viva's friend, 18-year-old Harrison Wilker, died in that crash.
Action News Jax has obtained a Sept. 9 arrest report for Viva. Just before midnight, the 21-year-old was pulled over for speeding while driving his Porsche.
A St. Johns County deputy found marijuana and an Altoids can with a glass pipe and lighter.
Viva was arrested but later bonded out of jail and a little more than two weeks later was the driver in the deadly crash.
Police said alcohol was not involved, but speed was a factor in the crash.
They’re continuing to investigate and say charges are pending.
"If you are involved in a traffic accident resulting in a fatality and you are deemed responsible because you either sped or drove recklessly, then the result is you can be charged with vehicular homicide which has a penalty of up to 15 years," said Action News Jax law and safety expert Dale Carson.
Earlier this year, in April, Viva was also arrested for aggravated assault with a weapon, but that case was closed.
Cox Media Group
