Man charged with drunk driving after Broward crash kills passenger, breaks car in half: police

A man suspected of driving under the influence was arrested after police say he was speeding and changing lanes before crashing into a tree in Cooper City – breaking his car in half – and causing a grisly crash that killed his passenger.

Ivan Billie Jr. is in custody, the Broward Sheriff’s Office said Sunday afternoon. The 25-year-old is facing six charges, including vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence causing death.

At around 4:30 a.m. Saturday morning, Pembroke Pines Fire Department and BSO were called to the scene of an accident near Sheridan Street and Solano Avenue. Upon arrival, they found a car split in half.

A man, whose identity has not yet been released, was pronounced dead at the scene, BSO said. Billie Jr. was found injured and taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Before Sunday’s bail hearing, prosecutors determined that Billie Jr.’s blood alcohol level was nearly 0.24% – about three times the legal limit of 0.08% in Florida.

Billie Jr. was driving a 2023 Chevrolet Camaro with a male passenger, according to initial investigations. He was traveling eastbound on Sheridan Street when he attempted to avoid another vehicle in his lane. Billie Jr. then lost control of his car, which drifted into the median and struck a tree.

The impact caused the car to slide further and hit a second tree. The car then crossed the westbound lanes and struck a large concrete pole, which broke off at the base and split the car in half. The vehicle continued to move until it eventually came to a stop in the westbound lanes.

After the accident, Billie Jr. was seen walking away from the wreckage “covered in blood.” Investigators confirmed that he was the driver and owner of the car.

After receiving medical attention, Billie Jr. was arrested and taken to the BSO Main Jail. His bail is set at $60,000.

The BSO’s investigation into the crash is still ongoing.