Accident sends 53-year-old island man to hospital

A 53-year-old St. George Island man suffered serious injuries Thursday evening when his car struck a vehicle on the Bryant Patton Bridge as they were both heading towards the island.

According to a report prepared by Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Brian W. Speigner, Raymond E. Mullis, driving a 1993 Dodge, failed to notice that the car in front of him was traveling slower than he was.

As a result, Mullis’s vehicle collided with a 1999 Toyota being driving by Katie F. Parker, 25, of Flowery Branch, Ga. Both she and the passenger, Jonathan M. Parker, 28, were wearing their seatbelts, and were transported to Weems Memorial Hospital with minor injuries. The report said alcohol was not a factor in Parker’s driving.

Mullis, who was wearing his seatbelt, was transported to Weems with serious injuries. The report said the investigation is pending whether alcohol was a a factor in his driving.

Charges are pending further investigation.

The Florida Highway Patrol was assisted on-scene by Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Weems EMS and the St. George Island Fire Department.