Off-duty crash injures HB police officer, totals cruiser

Holmes Beach Police Officer Ryan Welch’s department vehicle is trailered April 17. The vehicle was totaled in a March 9 crash on the mainland. Chief Bill Tokajer told The Islander April 19 that Welch was driving home on Moccasin Wallow Road in Parrish when a motorist towing a boat turned in front of him. Welch sustained minor injuries and was back to work the next week, but his cruiser must be replaced. Islander Photo: Courtesy Richard Stevens