16-year-old girl fatally hit by deputy

PENSACOLA, Fla. (WALA) - Authorities say an Escambia County, Florida Deputy struck two 16-year-old girls with his cruiser, killing one of them.

Investigators said Aaliyah Howard, 16, and Louise Johnson, 16, were walking side by side on the inside lane of Mobile Highway around 4 a. m. when Brewton approached from behind.

Authorities said Brewton’s Chevy Tahoe hit Howard and Johnson.

Howard, who was walking on the right side of Johnson, was thrown onto the median. Johnson was clipped by the side of the vehicle.

Lt. Ken Salter with the Florida Highway Patrol said they don’t believe Brewton’s speed was a factor in the crash.

“As far as we know, he wasn’t on a call at the time. We’re still investigating what everyone’s trip plans were. But as far as we know, he was on regular patrols,” said Salter.

While traffic may be back to normal on Mobile Highway, wheels now pass over reminders of the terrible scene. Spray paint outlines show where evidence of the incident was collected by authorities.

“It’s evidence that we’re photographing. We’re going back and measuring exactly where the initial impact occurred. We’re getting some basic questions about what was happening during the actual crash itself," Salter said.

Investigators believe Howard and Johnson had left one home and were walking to another.

Johnson was taken to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola with minor injuries and has been released.

Escambia County Deputies said Brewton has been put on paid administrative leave.