Cape Canaveral, Florida – A Florida man who drove with a blood alcohol level nearly three times the legal limit and crashed into a bicyclist, killing him, has now received his prison sentence. The case, delayed for years by court closures and numerous defense motions, finally concluded with a significant verdict.
Incident Overview
According to the 18th Judicial Circuit’s Office of the State Attorney, 46-year-old Glenn Brimmer has been sentenced to 12 years in state prison after a Brevard County jury convicted him of DUI manslaughter. The conviction stems from a deadly collision that took place on March 2, 2018, on North Atlantic Avenue in Cape Canaveral, where 66-year-old bicyclist John Perrin was struck from behind.
Officials said Brimmer was driving his Hyundai Veloster in the left lane when he hit Perrin, causing significant damage to his windshield and bending the wheel of Perrin’s bicycle due to the force of the impact. Deputies from the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office arrived shortly after witnessing the catastrophic scene.
Timeline of Events
Investigators reported that the crash happened at approximately 7:40 p.m. Perrin, who was riding his bicycle on the same stretch of road, had little chance to avoid the oncoming vehicle. Brimmer, heavily intoxicated, failed to maintain proper control of his car, resulting in the fatal impact.
Once deputies reached the location, they immediately assessed the scene and collected evidence. Photos released later showed how severe the collision was, highlighting the shattering of Brimmer’s windshield.
Details From Officials and Evidence
Authorities collected a blood sample from Brimmer, revealing a staggering 0.23 blood alcohol content level, which is almost three times the legal limit in Florida. Deputies also conducted a field sobriety test.
“He did not meet the standard,” the criminal complaint stated regarding Brimmer’s performance during the exercise.
As the test began, Brimmer reportedly laughed and said, “Let’s do it!” — moments before visibly failing the evaluation.
This behavior, captured and submitted to jurors, became a crucial piece of evidence demonstrating Brimmer’s impairment and lack of awareness at the time of the crash.
Information provided by the State Attorney’s Office 18th Judicial Circuit – State Attorney’s Office release indicated that the trial took nearly seven years to begin. Officials cited extensive court delays combined with more than 40 motions filed by Brimmer’s defense team attempting to dismiss or suppress key evidence. These efforts ultimately proved unsuccessful as the jury delivered a guilty verdict.
Witness Accounts
Deputies interviewed a witness who reported seeing Brimmer earlier that day at the Cocoa Beach Pier, where he appeared to be drinking before getting into his vehicle. The witness further stated that Brimmer “drove in a reckless manner,” supporting prosecutors’ arguments about his impaired state prior to the collision.
These accounts helped form a clearer timeline of Brimmer’s activities leading up to the deadly crash and reinforced the evidence presented during trial.
Key Facts
- Glenn Brimmer, 46
- John Perrin, 66
- Incident Date: March 2, 2018
- Location: North Atlantic Avenue, Cape Canaveral
- Charge: DUI Manslaughter
- Blood Alcohol Level: 0.23
- Sentence: 12 years in prison
- Funeral Reimbursement Ordered: $750
Additional Context
Alcohol-impaired driving remains one of the leading causes of fatal crashes in the United States. According to national safety data, thousands of lives are lost annually due to drivers operating vehicles while intoxicated. This case underscores the dangers of mixing alcohol with driving, especially in busy coastal areas where bicyclists and pedestrians frequently share the road.
Public safety officials continue urging drivers to make responsible choices, particularly in tourist destinations like Cape Canaveral, where beachside bars and nightlife create heightened risk for impaired driving incidents.
Awareness & Safety
Local authorities emphasize the importance of:
- Using designated drivers
- Choosing rideshare services
- Reporting suspected impaired drivers
- Wearing high-visibility gear when biking at night
- Maintaining heightened caution on roadways with limited lighting
These preventative steps can help reduce the number of tragedies like the one that claimed John Perrin’s life.
Conclusion
With the sentencing of Glenn Brimmer, a long-delayed case has finally reached its resolution. For Perrin’s family, the outcome provides a measure of accountability — though the loss remains immeasurable. Officials hope this case serves as a reminder of the irreversible consequences that can result from impaired driving.
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