Any driver involved in a crash should stay at the scene, even if they feel they may face charges related to the accident. In Florida, leaving the scene can result in criminal penalties on top of any traffic violations. Leaving the scene of an accident involving property damage is a misdemeanor and can result in a $500 fine and up to 60 days in jail. If there are injuries, the penalties are increased as it is a second- or third-degree felony. This charge can result in a five-year prison sentence as well as the driver’s license being revoked for three years. A hit-and-run involving death is a first-degree felony with a minimum of four years in prison and a maximum sentence of thirty years.
ABC Action News reports that the driver of a fatal hit-and-run involving a 14-year-old has been arrested.
The hit-and-run crash occurred on January 30th as the 14-year-old female crossed the street with friends near East 122nd Avenue and 15th Street. The teenager, who was not identified, suffered from critical injuries in the crash. She succumbed to those injuries on Monday.
24-year-old Nakeeba Ryan is the woman who is accused of hitting the teen. The sheriff’s office stated that after hitting her, Ryan exited her vehicle to check the damage to the vehicle. She then left the scene, pulling into a nearby parking lot and then drove away.
Ryan was employed at the Department of Children and Family Services’ call center in Tampa. Officials for the agency say that Ryan’s employment was terminated on the day of her arrest.
Ryan is facing charges of leaving the scene of a crash with death, which is a first-degree felony.
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