Local Government
Police Report Contradicts Hit-and-Run Narrative in Kohler Incident
A Florida Traffic Crash Report obtained through a public records request shows Pensacola police found no statutory basis for a hit-and-run charge against Commissioner Mike Kohler — and he paid a $116 fine.
- Update: I originally reported the fine was $25. Kohler called after this post was uploaded and said the actual fine he paid was $116.
The Pensacola News Journal has published multiple articles characterizing Escambia County Commissioner Mike Kohler as being involved in a hit-and-run accident. But the official police record tells a different story, which has forced the PNJ to walk back its earlier reporting
A Florida Traffic Crash Report completed by the Pensacola Police Department on April 16, 2026 — and obtained by Inweekly through a public records request — concludes that Kohler’s actions do not meet the statutory requirements for a hit-and-run violation. Read CRASH REPORT – AGENCY COPY – 27521847_Redacted.
What the Report Says Happened
According to the investigating officer’s findings, on the morning of April 13, 2026, Kohler was in the area of Cypress Street and South K Street, canvassing the neighborhood and distributing campaign materials related to his re-election bid.
Kohler told investigators he got out of his red pickup truck without putting it in park. The vehicle rolled unattended and struck a power pole, damaging an electrical line serving a nearby home and causing a power outage. A Pensacola Fire Department response was dispatched to the address.
- A witness inside the home saw sparks, went outside, and observed a white male getting out of the truck near the pole.
- Kohler told the witness not to touch anything and to call someone, then retrieved his truck from around the corner where it had come to rest.
- Kohler later approached PFD Captain Woodbridge on scene, identified himself — his name was embroidered on his red shirt — and told fire personnel to contact him if they needed anything.
- Kohler did not contact law enforcement at the time of the incident.
The Officer’s Determination
“Based on my investigation, I determined that Mike Kohler did not commit a hit-and-run offense. This determination is supported by his statement, as well as statements from witnesses that he spoke with fire personnel regarding the incident. Although he did not contact law enforcement, his actions do not meet statutory criteria for a hit-and-run violation.”
— PPD Florida Traffic Crash Report, April 16, 2026
The officer’s narrative notes that Kohler was responsible for the collision by failing to properly secure his vehicle. But the distinction matters legally: speaking with fire personnel on scene and offering to be contacted is, under Florida statute, different from leaving the scene without any acknowledgment.
- Kohler told Inweekly that he has filed an insurance claim to cover any damages to the residence impacted by the crash.
The Actual Exposure: $116
Key Fact: The Pensacola Police Department’s crash report, completed after a multi-day investigation that included interviews with the homeowner, two witnesses, and fire department personnel, explicitly states Kohler did not commit a hit-and-run. Kohler paid a $116 parking fine.
The crash report was obtained by Inweekly through a Florida public records request. Read CRASH REPORT – AGENCY COPY – 27521847_Redacted.
If you like our reporting, consider buying us a cup of coffee – here. Your donation will help broaden our reporting. Thank you.