Driver charged with carjacking in Longboat Pass bridge wreck

One man was arrested and seven people were injured in a multi-vehicle wreck Wednesday on Longboat Pass Bridge that began with the theft of a Chevrolet Corvette from Coquina Beach.

Rick Jefferey Rowland was charged by Bradenton Beach Police with two counts of carjacking without a weapon. Additional charges could be  filed by Longboat Key police. The case remains under investigation.

The wreck on the bridge involved the Corvette and at least two other cars. Victims were sent to Blake Memorial Hospital and Sarasota Memorial Hospital. Rowland, 43, was taken to the hospital, then arrested. He was booked into the Manatee County Jail on $1,500 bond.

Chief Paul Dezzi of Longboat Key Fire-Rescue said the Corvette was southbound just before noon and collided with two other cars, then hit a guardrail on the bridge’s southwest corner. Rowland was held by a civilian until police arrived.

Officials closed the bridge until 2:30 p.m. to treat individuals, transport them to local hospitals and investigate the scene.