NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. – Prior to being accused of driving his truck off the road in New Smyrna Beach over the weekend and causing a fatal accident by hitting a couple and killing a woman, the man in question had already attracted police attention for previous hit-and-run incidents involving people’s property.
According to the police, the driver had allegedly been involved in incidents where he hit mailboxes on the beachside and then proceeded to cross the North Causeway bridge before reaching the location of the fatal accident. Upon reaching the mainland, he reportedly swerved off the road in his Ford F250, drove onto the sidewalk, and collided with a couple who were walking ahead of him. The couple, who were on their way to the Images Art Festival downtown near Canal Street, were tragically hit from behind.
The driver remained at the scene after the accident, and police are determining whether criminal charges will be filed.
Interim Chief Chris Kirk stated, “We are currently in the process of investigating the crash and will assess whether any criminal charges are warranted. This aspect of the investigation will require some time as we carry out search warrants and perform detailed analysis.”
Kevin Buchans witnessed the horrific accident.
“I’m now scared to death. I’m watching everything and anything around me,” he said. “He hit these two pedestrians, went through the telephone pole, ricocheted off of five oak trees before he stopped in front of one across the street.”
Buchans said he was just feet away from being hit, too.
“I was standing two and a half feet in front of that oak tree and trying to figure out which way I was going to run. I just made up my mind within a split second and threw my bicycle and rolled,” he said.
Police have not released the couple’s identity but confirmed they lived part-time in New Smyrna Beach and Altamonte Springs. The husband was injured but has since been released from the hospital.
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