1 Dead As Police Car Hits Fla. Sunbathers

[Rob-TheStormChaser]

A police officer searching for robbery suspects on the beach drove over two tourists Saturday, killing one and critically injuring the other.

Miami Beach police officer George Varon was driving a marked sports utility vehicle along the crowded shores, searching for two robbery suspects believed to be on the beach. He apparently didn't see two French sisters lying in the sand, police said.

Stephanie and Sandrine Tunc were taken to a hospital, where Stephanie, 27, died. Sandrine, 26, was listed in critical condition Saturday evening. Police said the sisters, who lived in Britain, were on vacation.

Several witnesses said the officer's actions were reckless and that he wasn't using a siren.

"The cop was just running around like a crazy man," Stacy Kandell told WPLG-TV in Miami. "I don't know what he was doing to run over two girls."

Officials said speed did not appear to be a factor in the death.

Varon, a seven-year veteran, was placed on administrative leave following the accident, said Bobby Hernandez, Miami Beach police spokesman.

A decade ago, another European sunbather was killed by a police car on a Florida beach. Christa Lina Emilie, 67, of Berlin, was accidentally hit and killed by a police car in New Smyrna Beach on March 29, 1993.

[coriolis]

He was probably distracted looking at all the bikinis.
What's a police vehicle doing on the beach anyway?

[Rob-TheStormChaser]

lol have no clue!

[mf_dolphin]

Police vehicles are often used to patrol the beaches in Florida. This was an unfortunate accident that would probably have been avoided is the police officer had used his siren.

[sunny shine]

You are correct dolphin. I do know that there is appropriate space on those beaches that are marked soley for police use. Maybe those girls were unaware of this marked area. I was vacationing in Panama City one year and noticed the signs on the beach saying "Emergency Police Lanes." It struck me as odd at the time until I saw one of those monster police vehicles come through. So we all moved closer to the water after that. Either way, this is a tragedy!!

[Rob-TheStormChaser]

Then again...they said the cop was all over the place. I've been on many beaches with patrols, and some are done by foot, ATV, or vehicles....strange occurance though.

[mf_dolphin]

Seems that he just wasn't paying attention to his surroundings. Tragic for those two sunbathers!

[coriolis]

Well if I ever visit the beach in Florida, I'm setting up orange cones around my spot.

[Amanzi]

big oopsie!!!!!!!!! not too good for french relations at the moment either.

[Intimidator]

there is no reason that they should have to use SUVs on the beach. ATVs would be much more suitable. he will get away with it though. They protect their own in times like this.