JSO Officer's Family Blames Girlfriend for Death

JACKSONVILLE, FL -- Two months after a Jacksonville Sheriff's Officer was killed in a car crash, his family is relieved that his girlfriend -- who was also the driver of the car -- was arrested for DUI manslaughter.

"Once I got that news, it was the best thing possible," said Officer Hartsfield's son, John Hartsfield.

Officer Michael Brandt Hartsfield was killed in July when the car he was riding in crashed late one night.

On Friday, his girlfriend, Vicki Mullins, was arrested for DUI manslaughter.

Police say Mullins was driving the convertible Ford Mustang and drove off Fort Caroline Road, into a ditch.

The car slammed into a cement culvert and flipped.

It landed on its roof in a nearby driveway.

Mullins was taken to Shands Jacksonville with serious injuries.

Officer Hartsfield was also taken to Shands where he later died.

On Saturday morning, Mullins waved her first court appearance. She remains at the Duval County Jail on $750,000 bond.

At the time of the crash, police believed that speed may have been a factor and toxicology reports were expected in the coming weeks.

John says the death has destroyed his family. His father had three children and was a grandfather.

The family is now left with many unanswered questions -- like why a police officer would get in the car with someone who authorities say was under the influence.

"He probably had no understanding of what was happening when he got in that car."

Officer Hartsfield protected the streets of Arlington for 18 years.

In 2007, he was named Jacksonville's 2007 Finest Officer of the Year in Zone 2 in Arlington.

He was given the award after he saved two people from a fiery crash while he was off duty.

"He's a hero," says John. "He's been a hero ever since I was little."