JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A 17-year-old has been arrested and charged in connection with a March crash that killed a father and his two teenage sons after investigators determined he was traveling nearly 100 mph before the collision, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
The crash occurred on the afternoon of March 1 along Atlantic Boulevard in the Empire Point area.
Investigators said Sidney Reshawn Harrell was driving westbound when he crossed the median into oncoming traffic, striking one vehicle head-on before colliding with a second vehicle.
The initial vehicle was then struck by another car and caught fire, trapping three occupants inside.
Despite efforts by the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department, a 50-year-old man, a 13-year-old boy and a 14-year-old boy died at the scene. Three other people suffered serious injuries and were transported to local hospitals.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Unit launched an extensive investigation that included witness interviews, surveillance video review and analysis of data from the vehicle’s electronic data recorder.
According to investigators, Harrell did not have a valid driver’s license at the time of the crash. Police said he possessed only a learner’s permit, which had been suspended in January 2026.
Surveillance footage showed Harrell traveling at a high rate of speed before the collision. Investigators said data from the vehicle’s electronic data recorder indicated the accelerator was fully depressed and the vehicle was traveling approximately 98 mph seconds before impact.
A witness also reported seeing Harrell weaving through traffic and appearing to smoke a marijuana cigar, commonly referred to as a “blunt,” while stopped at a traffic light. Investigators said toxicology testing later revealed a large amount of THC in his system at the time of the crash.
On July 6, officers arrested Harrell on an outstanding warrant during a traffic stop after an officer observed him speeding.
Harrell is charged with driving while license suspended or revoked, three counts of vehicular homicide, three counts of DUI manslaughter and three counts of DUI causing injury.
The case remains pending.