Photo: Florida Highway Patrol
A Spring Hill man was charged with more than a dozen offenses, including DUI manslaughter, after the Florida Highway Patrol said he left the scene of a fatal crash in Hudson.
The crash happened Monday at around 9:30 a.m. along US-19, just north of Little Road.
FHP said a Toyota Camry, driven by R, 68, was traveling recklessly in the northbound lanes before it struck the rear portion of a Mazda four-door. The Camry then hit a Ford Bronco, propelling it over the grass median and into the southbound lanes. The Bronco collided head-on with a Hyundai SUV, killing the SUV’s driver.
The occupants of the Bronco were taken to HCA Bayonet Point hospital with serious injuries. The hospital told troopers that the passenger was paralyzed from the waist down and the driver broke both of his legs.
A witness said R stopped and activated his hazard lights for around two minutes before leaving the area, according to FHP.
The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office found R’s car at a Walgreens on Cortez Boulevard, which was 14 miles from the site of the crash, just before 10 a.m. A photo provided by FHP showed the Camry with heavy damage and its side airbags deployed.
Deputies said the car was taking up two parking spaces, with R sitting in the driver’s seat and hanging his feet out of the window. FHP said he smelled like alcohol and shhhowed multiple signs of impairment.
“When shown the damage to the vehicle, (R) appeared surprised, as though he was unaware that a crash had occurred,” the FHP arrest report said.
Troopers said that R responded with a thumbs up when read his Miranda rights. He refused to provide a statement and asked for a lawyer.
R was transferred to the hospital, where he was combative and had to be medicated and restrained on the bed. He was accused of threatening to kill an FHP trooper.
Hospital staff determined R’s blood alcohol level was 0.177, more than twice the legal limit. He was arrested at 2:35 p.m. and taken to the Pasco County Jail, where he was charged with the following offenses:
- Hit & run involving death
- Hit & run involving serious bodily injury
- Hit & run involving serious bodily injury
- Hit & run property damage
- Hit & run property damage
- Hit & run property damage
- DUI property damage
- DUI property damage
- DUI property damage
- DUI with serious bodily injury
- DUI with serious bodily injury
- DUI manslaughter
- Obstructing without violence
- Threat of death against LEO
Seeking Justice After a Hit and Run Accident
Hit and run accidents are not only traumatic—they’re also legally complex. Ovadia Law Group is dedicated to helping victims seek justice and financial recovery. Our personal injury attorneys investigate the incident thoroughly, work with law enforcement, and explore all available legal options. Even if the driver is never found, we can help you file claims through your insurance or other applicable coverage. We fight for compensation that reflects the true impact of your injuries and losses. Call Ovadia Law Group at 1-800-674-9396 for a free consultation and let us help you take the first step toward justice after a hit and run accident.
Source: Wfla
