On April 11, 2018, a person driving a 2015 Ford Taurus fled the scene when they hit a 46-year-old pedestrian crossing U.S. Highway 19 in Pasco, Florida. Almost exactly a year later, a 21-year-old man has been identified as the hit-and-run driver in the incident, and arrested for the crime.
The vehicle was discovered ten days after the hit-and-run, which left the pedestrian dead at the scene. Investigators found the car hidden behind some trees, with a missing windshield, hood, front bumper, and right bumper and fender, reported the Orlando Sentinel.
The driver confessed to committing the hit-and-run while serving a one-year sentence in the Florida Department of Corrections in Orlando for fleeing and cocaine possession. The fleeing and cocaine possession charges were unrelated to the hit-and-run incident.
He was released from the Department of Corrections on Sunday, April 7th, concluding his one-year sentence. On Wednesday, April 10th, he was arrested by Pasco County police for the hit-and-run incident. He was charged with driving with a revoked license, evidence tampering, and leaving the scene of the accident, specifically leaving the scene of a death.
In the state of Florida, leaving the scene of an accident in which a death occurred is considered a first-degree felony. The charge can carry a maximum prison sentence of 30 years, as well as a fine amount of $10,000.
In addition to criminal consequences, the driver could potentially face additional financial penalties, depending on the desires of the victim’s family. If their family does decide to pursue a case, the offender could be required to pay additional damages to cover the cost of the victim’s funeral, compensation for emotional distress, and other expenses that resulted from the incident.
If you or a family member have been injured in a hit-and-run accident, contact the experienced team of attorneys at Frohlich, Gordon & Beason, P.A. Call (941) 979-9010 or contact us online to schedule a free case evaluation.