DUI arrest in St. Johns County after tow truck driver was hit and killed in Putnam County

PUTNAM COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Highway Patrol announced an arrest on Friday in the death of a Putnam County tow truck driver.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

Keith Guthrie, Hastings, was arrested for DUI manslaughter in a fatal crash that took place on Feb. 8, 2023. According to FHP, Guthrie struck and killed Nathan Morris II, a tow truck driver attempting to load a broken-down car on his truck in Putnam County.

READ: 6-year-old child dies in a hit-and-run on Merrill Road, JSO is still investigating

Details in the crash report said Guthrie was traveling west on West River Road. The tow truck ahead had its visible amber flashing lights activated as Morris was loading the vehicle.

Guthrie didn’t slow down or yield, passing the tow truck and striking Morris with the front of his vehicle.

Morris was pronounced dead on the scene by Putnam County Fire Rescue.

READ: Jacksonville woman in custody after authorities said she ran from deadly highway crash

A toxicology report indicated that the suspect was under the influence of amphetamine and methamphetamine at the time of the crash.

FHP troopers arrested Guthrie at his home on Friday in St. Johns County.

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]

Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.