A drunken boater jumped off his rented jet ski on Saturday upon realizing he was about to collide with another jet ski, resulting in injuries to two children, including one with serious injuries.
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office reported that Daniel Patrick Grubert, 48, was racing alongside another jet ski near Johns Pass Saturday afternoon. Investigators noted that he “was not focusing on his path and took his eyes off the direction he was heading.”
Upon turning around and seeing the impending crash, he “decided to abandon the WaveRunner,” allowing his vehicle to collide with one controlled by Walter Wodzien.
Grubert Affidavits by kc wildmoon
Wodzien and two children, ages 7 and 8, were rescued from the water by the Madeira Beach Fire Department. The children were immediately taken to a local hospital, with one sustaining life-threatening injuries. Wodzien was unharmed.
Investigators observed that Grubert “exhibited signs of intoxication and failed Field Sobriety Tests.” A probable cause affidavit states that he admitted to consuming one Twisted Tea but refused a breathalyzer test. Officers noted an alcohol odor, red eyes, and “slurred speech.”
Blood draws were taken, and investigators are awaiting the results of those.
Grubert was charged with two counts of boating under the influence causing seriously bodily injury and one count of reckless operation of a vessel.
