Wrong-way driver accused in deadly I-75 crash denied bond in Charlotte County

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. (WINK) — A Charlotte County judge denied bond Tuesday morning for the man accused of driving the wrong way on Interstate 75 and causing a crash that killed a 21-year-old woman returning home from a wedding.

53-year-old Dennis Lee Olson appeared virtually in court, where he was formally charged with vehicular homicide and DUI manslaughter — both second-degree felonies.

During the hearing, prosecutors revealed this is not Olson’s first alleged drunk driving offense. Court records show Olson was arrested for DWI in Minnesota in 2019. He was later placed on probation for two years and ordered to complete a Mothers Against Drunk Driving course.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Olson was arrested early Sunday morning after troopers say he made an improper U-turn and began driving southbound in the northbound lanes of I-75 near mile marker 150 in Charlotte County.

Investigators say Olson crashed into multiple vehicles.

RELATED: 21-year-old USF student killed by wrong-way driver on I-75 near mile marker 150

21-year-old Lauryn Akey was killed in the collision. Her family says she had been driving home from a wedding and texted loved ones just moments before the crash, telling them she was almost home and that she loved them.

Troopers say another vehicle was also struck during the crash, sending several people to the hospital with serious injuries. Their conditions have not yet been released.

Olson also told the court he has lost his job since the crash and can no longer afford an attorney. A public defender was appointed to represent him during Tuesday morning’s first appearance hearing, though it remains unclear who will represent him moving forward.

Within the next five days, Olson is expected back in court for a bond hearing to determine whether he will continue to be held without bond. He is scheduled to be arraigned on June 15.