In a tragic incident near Ocala, Florida, Bryan Maclean Howard has been arrested and charged with eight counts of driving under the influence (DUI)-manslaughter. The fatal crash occurred on S.R. 40 near SW 148 Court, when Howard's Ford Ranger veered into the center of the road, sideswiping a bus carrying farmworkers. The bus then careened off the road, crashed through a fence, struck a tree, and overturned.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the deadly collision took place at approximately 6:35 a.m., leading to the loss of eight lives. Howard, the driver of the Ford Ranger, now faces severe legal repercussions for his alleged actions.

Court records reveal a concerning history of run-ins with the law relating to driving-related offenses for Howard. Starting from 2006 until 2021, Howard has faced various charges, which are outlined as follows:

- On May 31, 2006, Howard was cited for leaving the scene of a crash involving an unattended vehicle or property. He pled guilty and received a suspended 30-day jail sentence, along with over $300 in court costs and fines.

- On November 21, 2009, Howard was arrested for possessing cannabis and drug paraphernalia, resulting in two days of jail time and six months of probation after pleading "no contest."

- April 18, 2013, saw Howard arrested for driving with a suspended or revoked license. He paid $325 in fines and court costs but later failed to comply with non-confinement conditions, leading to a 30-day jail sentence.

- July 4, 2013, Howard faced charges of stolen property and grand theft. He ultimately pled guilty to grand theft and received a 60-day jail sentence, with credit given for the time already served. However, Howard later violated his probation, which was then revoked, resulting in a 240-day jail sentence.

- On April 2, 2018, Howard was arrested for careless driving in a crash causing $700 in damage but no injuries. He paid a $189 citation.

- May 31, 2018, marked another arrest for Howard, this time for driving with an expired license. He paid a $325 fine.

- October 10, 2018, saw Howard arrested for driving with a suspended or revoked license, his second offense. He pled guilty and received a five-day jail sentence, along with $250 in fines and court costs.

- On November 15, 2018, Howard was arrested again for driving with a suspended or revoked license. Despite it being his third offense, court records mistakenly list it as his second. He pled guilty, serving no jail time, and paid $325 in fines.

- September 1, 2019, witnessed Howard's arrest for leaving the scene of a crash with property damage. He eventually pled "no contest," resulting in 12 days of jail time (with credit for time served), six months of probation, 50 hours of community service, and $640 in fines.

- On September 14, 2021, Howard was arrested once again for driving with a suspended or revoked license. However, the prosecutor declined to file charges, without providing a reason.

Additionally, Howard has been embroiled in a lawsuit stemming from another crash that occurred on May 28, 2018, on Fort King Street in Ocala. Court records indicate that State Farm demanded $15,314 from Howard, with a judge issuing a default judgment of $15,936, plus interest. Howard made a payment of $18,650 in July 2022 to settle the case.

Howard's arrest report sheds light on the tragic events surrounding the fatal crash. He informed troopers that he was en route to a methadone clinic when the incident occurred. After exiting the vehicle, Howard claimed he had to be informed by bystanders about what had happened. He admitted to spending the previous night smoking marijuana oil obtained through a friend's medical marijuana card while also taking his prescribed medications of Klonopin, Lyrica, and clonidine. Howard further disclosed sleeping for around five hours before the crash.

Following the accident, troopers conducted field sobriety tests on Howard at the hospital, which he reportedly failed. Consequently, he was arrested on DUI charges. Strangely, breath samples provided by Howard eight hours after the crash registered a blood alcohol level of 0.00, challenging the initial suspicion of alcohol impairment.

During his first court appearance, Howard was assigned a public defender, and the state requested he be held without bond, citing his extensive prior offenses. The judge granted the request, and Howard's arraignment has been scheduled for June 18.

As the investigation progresses, further charges may be added, according to the arrest report. The community mourns the tragic loss of life, and the legal system prepares to hold Howard accountable for his alleged actions once again.