DeSoto Co., FL (March 11, 2026) – A woman died following a two-vehicle crash on Tuesday afternoon, March 10, at a rural intersection in DeSoto County.
Emergency units responded around 1:45 p.m. to the intersection of Kings Highway and County Road 761 after reports of a collision involving a pickup truck and a sport utility vehicle. Investigators said a 67-year-old Port Charlotte woman was driving an SUV.
Authorities reported that the other car was a Dodge Ram pickup truck driven by 21-year-old Marlon Josue Contreras-Galindo of Sarasota. The front of the truck struck the left side of the SUV during the crash. The woman driving the SUV died at the scene, while the pickup driver was not injured.
Investigators later arrested Contreras-Galindo and said he was accused of driving without a valid license following the crash.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash.
We extend our sincere condolences to the victim’s loved ones.
Crash Risks at Rural Stop-Controlled Intersections
Intersections where one roadway has a stop sign, and the other carries through traffic, can present serious crash risks. Drivers entering or crossing the main roadway must judge the speed and distance of approaching vehicles before turning.
Highways such as Kings Highway often allow steady traffic flow. Vehicles traveling on the main route may approach intersections quickly, leaving little time for drivers entering from side roads.
Side-impact collisions frequently occur when a turning vehicle enters the path of oncoming traffic. Visibility, driver timing, and roadway design can all influence how safely vehicles move through these intersections.
