Leaving the scene of an accident, also known as hit-and-run, is a serious offense in Florida. This is especially true when the accident involved a fatality. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, three out of every five roadway fatalities involving pedestrians in Florida are hit and run accidents.
Hit-and-run involving death is a first-degree felony in Florida. If convicted, the driver can face a minimum sentence of four years and up to thirty years in state prison. The driver may also face up to thirty years of probation and a fine of up to $10,000.
KTIV reports that a Sioux City teenager has died following a fatal hit and run accident in Florida.
The crash occurred Thursday afternoon on Frankland Howard Bridge heading towards Tampa Bay.
A 16-year-old was driving northbound on the roadway with 19-year-old Keaton Chicone as a passenger. It is believed that the vehicle experienced a mechanical issue and the teen pulled over to the side of the roadway.
Chicone exited the vehicle and was on the fog line inspecting the sedan. A pickup truck hauling a trailer drifted onto the shoulder and hit the teen. Chicone suffered from fatal injuries at the scene.
The driver of the pickup truck continued northbound on the bridge. Florida Highway Patrol caught up to 33-year-old Rosanio Rafael Bartolon-Morales. He was arrested and is facing charges of leaving the scene of a fatal crash and driving without a license resulting in death.