Arrest Made in Margate DUI Crash That Left Motorcyclist With Severe Brain and Spinal Injuries

by Ryan Yousefi July 6, 2026

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David Whitthorne Stamps. {BSO}

A Tamarac man was arrested in connection with a March crash in Margate that left a motorcyclist fighting for his life with catastrophic, life-altering injuries.

According to Margate Police Department investigation records, David Whitthorne Stamps, 74, faces charges of DUI causing serious bodily injury, DUI causing property damage, and running a red light following a months-long investigation into the March 14 collision.

According to investigators, the crash occurred at about 10:40 p.m. at the intersection of West Atlantic Boulevard and Northwest 66th Avenue.

Police said Stamps was driving a gray 2023 Nissan Sentra eastbound when he failed to stop at a red traffic signal and struck the rear of a red-and-white motorcycle that was stopped at the intersection. The impact threw the motorcyclist from the bike.

According to the arrest affidavit, the victim suffered traumatic brain injuries, two brain bleeds, a spinal injury, and nerve damage. He was transported unconscious to Broward Health North as a trauma alert.

Officers who responded to the scene reported that Stamps was observed with glossy eyes and smelled like alcohol. At the hospital, investigators said Stamps displayed additional signs of impairment, including bloodshot, watery eyes and slurred speech.

According to the affidavit, he told officers he “didn’t observe the victim and just felt the impact.” Hospital staff also told police they believed he was intoxicated.

Investigators later obtained surveillance video from a nearby Marathon gas station that allegedly showed the Nissan entering the intersection without attempting to brake before striking the motorcycle. Data recovered from the vehicle’s event data recorder indicated the car was traveling approximately 40 mph and showed braking input only immediately before impact, according to the report.

Toxicology testing later revealed blood alcohol concentrations far above Florida’s legal limit, even long after the crash. The investigation also found that Stamps had two previous DUI convictions, dating back to 1984 and 1996.

Stamps was arrested on July 2 following the completion of the investigation. He was transported to the Broward County Main Jail, where he awaits a court hearing.

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Author Profile

Ryan Yousefi

Ryan Yousefi has lived in Coral Springs for over 30 years. He has worked as a writer for multiples outlets over the years, including the Miami New Times where he has covered sports and culture since 2013. He holds a Bachelor's Degree and a Master's Degree in Business Healthcare Management from Western Governors University.