Major Paul Rogers

Public Information Officer

Palm Beach Gardens Police Department
10500 N. Military Trail
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
Phone: (561) 799-4548
Email: PRogers@PBGFL.COM
www.pbgfl.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JULY 07, 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RSE January 18,2017

Statement from Palm Beach Gardens Police Department Regarding the Traffic Crash
which occurred on June 9, 2017

The Palm Beach Gardens Police Department initiated an investigation into a traffic crash involving Venus
Williams on June 9, 2017. The crash occurred at 1:13 P.M. at the intersection of Northlake Boulevard
and BallenIsles Drive in the City of Palm Beach Gardens. The passenger of Vehicle 2 (Jerome L. Barson of
West Palm Beach, FL) was transported to the hospital where he later died on June 22, 2017.

UPDATE:

After the initial investigation was conducted, new evidence into the incident was located. Video
surveillance footage was obtained from a community south of the intersection which recorded the
traffic crash. Based on the evidence obtained in the ongoing investigation, it has been determined the
vehicle driven by Venus Williams lawfully entered the intersection on a circular green traffic signal, and
attempted to travel north through the intersection to BallenIsles Drive. As Williams was traveling
through the intersection, a Nissan Altima entered the intersection traveling south, and made a left turn
in front of Williams vehicle, causing her to stop advancing through the intersection to avoid a collision.
After the Nissan had proceeded past Williams, Williams then started to proceed north through the
intersection in accordance with F.S.S. 316.075 (1)(a)1. The vehicle driven by Linda Barson was traveling
west on Northlake Blvd, in the outside lane, approaching a steady red traffic signal. The traffic signal
then cycled to green, at which time Barson continued westbound and entered the intersection. The
front end of Barsons vehicle collided with the right front of Williams vehicle. This updated information,
based upon new evidence, is still under investigation.

As per Florida Statutes, due to the continuing investigation of this incident, no additional information
will be released at this time. To request a copy of the initial traffic crash report, please email the Palm
Beach Gardens Office of the City Clerk at psnider@pbgfl.com. Submit your request along with a
completed, signed and notarized affidavit available at www.pbgfl.com/TrafficCrashAffidavit. The
surveillance video referenced in this press release is available at:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/vhjp91zyd2p7nr3/6-9-17%20Crash%20Surveillance%20Footage.mp4?dl=0

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