Cape man facing DUI manslaughter in fatal April crash
By CONNOR HOLMES, cholmes@breezenewspapers.comArticle Photos
A Cape Coral man was charged with DUI manslaughter Tuesday in a fatal motorcycle crash that occurred earlier this year.
According to police reports, Ryan Scott Schaufert, 24, of 1718 S.E. Second St., was driving north on Del Prado Boulevard South in a Toyota Matrix when he struck motorcyclist Ronald Johnson, 54, from behind, killing Johnson.
The accident was reported at 10:27 p.m. April 24.
Schaufert had a blood alcohol content of .086 and also had the chemical THC from marijuana in his system when the crash occurred, reports state.
Schaufert has been charged with DUI manslaughter, possession of marijuana 20 grams or under, possession of narcotic equipment, DUI and DUI with property damage.
Police said Schaufert approached a traffic light at Southeast 26th Street when he was unable to stop and struck the rear wheel of Johnson's motorcycle.
Johnson was ejected from the motorcycle and taken to Lee Memorial Hospital. He died from his injuries at 11:38 p.m.
Schaufert was not injured as a result of the crash.
Police reported finding 2.5 grams of marijuana and a marijuana pipe in Schaufert's vehicle, and found he was impaired during the accident.
Schaufert has been released from the Lee County Jail on $10,000 bond.
