Suncoast man arrested and facing charges of Vehicular Homicide & Manslaughter following June 2021 crash in Sarasota
Francesco Abbruzzino, The Uncensored Report, LLC
SPD
Jordan Schopfer, 30, of Bradenton, has been arrested in Manatee County by the United States Marshals Service Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force in connection to a deadly crash that happened in June 2021 in the City of Sarasota. The crash was investigated by the Sarasota Police Department Traffic Unit.
When the crash happened, Schopfer’s driver’s license was suspended/revoked for DUI with personal injury, with previous suspensions for DUI and failing to pay a traffic fine from 2020. Additionally, Schopfer was on probation for charges of arson.
On June 12, 2021, at 5:30 p.m., a crash between a 2002 Toyota Corolla and a 2005 Suzuki motorcycle happened in the southbound lanes of the 1200 block North Beneva Road, Sarasota. The crash resulted in the death of the motorcyclist, a 60-year-old man from Sarasota. The name of the victim is being withheld under Marsy’s Law.
Witnesses told Sarasota Police officers the motorcyclist was driving southbound on North Beneva Road while Schopfer was initially driving northbound in the outside lane of North Beneva Road. Witnesses said Schopfer moved from the outside lane to the inside lane but made no effort to correct the vehicle. Schopfer continued driving at an angle over the raised concrete median and into the southbound lanes, hitting the motorcyclist, according to witnesses.
Officers with the Sarasota Police Department Traffic Unit conducted an inventory of the vehicle Schopfer was driving and found a can of compressed air and a receipt with a purchase time of the compressed air 12 minutes before the crash. Additionally, officers found a bag that had a restaurant-style whipping container inside.
Officers found Schopfer on surveillance video standing inside a store purchasing a can of compressed air wearing the same clothes he was wearing at the time of the crash. Video from outside the store shows Schopfer getting into the same vehicle involved in the crash. The vehicle was seen on camera nearly hitting a pedestrian in the parking lot as well as rear-ending a parked car.
On June 26, 2021, officers with the Sarasota Police Department Traffic Unit developed probable cause that Schopfer “huffed or snorted” nitrous oxide to “get high.” Initial effects of inhalant abuse are similar to those of anesthetics: simulations, disinhibition, and euphoria. These sensations may be followed by hallucinations and general depression including slurred speech and drowsiness or sleep within seconds to minutes.
Schopfer is being held at the Manatee County Jail on no bond on charges of Vehicular Homicide, Manslaughter, and Driving with a Suspended License with Knowledge in connection to the City of Sarasota case. Booking photos can be found on the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office website at http://www.manateesheriff.com/Public/ArrestInquires