A Weeki Wachee man was arrested Thursday after deputies say he hit another driver on Commercial Way in the Royal Highlands area and took off. According to officials, the driver left the scene in a red Chevrolet Tahoe and headed north on Sunshine Grove Road before being detained a short distance away. One person from the crash was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
In a Facebook post, the Hernando County Sheriff's Office said traffic unit members arrested and identified the suspect as Chad Michael LaFleur (born June 21, 1979). The post states that LaFleur was charged with DUI with bodily injury, leaving the scene of a crash with injury, and refusal to submit to a blood, breath or urine test, and that bond for the sheriff's office charges was set at $11,000. Deputies said in the post they suspected the driver was under the influence of narcotics and that he was taken into custody "without incident."
How deputies tracked the suspect
According to the sheriff's office, traffic unit members located the vehicle a few blocks from the collision scene, and numerous citizens witnessed and assisted deputies during the response. Officials say the driver fled on foot before being detained, and the Florida Highway Patrol will handle the investigation into the Commercial Way hit-and-run. The sheriff's post said the suspect was taken into custody without additional incident.
Additional crashes and injuries
Hernando County Fire Rescue crews also responded to a separate collision at Sunshine Grove Road and Jacqueline Road that closed southbound lanes and sent one person to a local hospital. Photos shared by first responders show two vehicles involved and crews working to clear the scene. As reported by FOX 13, authorities confirmed the hospital transport and urged motorists to expect delays.
What the charges could mean
Refusing a lawful breath, blood or urine test can trigger an administrative suspension of driving privileges, typically one year for a first refusal, according to Florida Statutes. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles notes that second or subsequent refusals carry stiffer penalties and that refusal may be used in criminal DUI proceedings, Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles says. A conviction for DUI that causes serious bodily injury carries felony penalties and other sanctions under state law; see section 316.193 of the Florida Statutes.
Local enforcement context
The arrest comes as the sheriff's office has been stepping up enforcement along crash-prone corridors, including Commercial Way, under an enhanced traffic effort. Hoodline reported last year on the office's increased traffic monitoring program and a partnership aimed at reducing crashes. Officials say the combination of targeted patrols and public education is meant to improve safety on local roads.
What's next
The Florida Highway Patrol is leading the crash investigation and the sheriff's office said the case remains active. Booking information and any court dates will be processed through Hernando County's booking system as the charges move through the court process.
