Driver's medical issue likely led to Longboat Key crash, police say

An 80-year-old driver likely experienced a medical episode behind the wheel on Tuesday, leading to a serious crash on the north end of Longboat Key, police said.

James W. Gardner, of Longboat Key, was taken to Blake Memorial Hospital by ambulance with cuts and contusions after the 2:40 p.m. incident in the 7100 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive, just south of the Longboat Pass Bridge. Gardner was trapped inside the BMW 330X sports-utility vehicle for a period of time after it left the road and came to rest at an angle in the woods off the road.

No one else was hurt, police said.

According to a report from the Longboat Key Police, a Bradenton Beach police officer first encountered the BMW heading south erratically on Gulf Drive at speeds reaching around 80 mph. With emergency lights and siren activated, and oncoming cars taking evasive action, the Bradenton Beach officer tried to keep up to stop the vehicle, eventually losing sight of it.

Once on Longboat Key, the vehicle crossed into the northbound lanes, then into trees on the east side of the road, hitting a Road Work sign, a Florida Power & Light electrical box and overturning. It stopped on its side against a tree, the report said. Crews from the Longboat Key Fire Department rescued the driver from the wreckage.

About four or five homes lost power, according to FPL.

Gardner was not cited, police said.