A 23-year-old man is now the focus of a Jacksonville hit-and-run investigation after police say he triggered a fiery chain-reaction crash on University Boulevard that killed a woman and injured two others, then took off on foot while one of the cars burned. The wreck happened the afternoon of Jan. 2, and authorities say the woman who was severely burned later died.
JSO Names Suspect
On March 24, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office publicly identified the suspect as Alexander Rivera-Russo, 23, as officers continue to search for him, according to News4JAX. Investigators say Rivera-Russo was behind the wheel of a Dodge Challenger traveling at a high rate of speed when it hit a Nissan, which then slammed into a telephone pole and burst into flames. The Challenger then spun into oncoming traffic and struck a Toyota, per an earlier News4JAX report.
JSO says Rivera-Russo got out of the Challenger and ran from the crash without helping anyone involved, and as of the latest update, he had still not been found.
Where the Crash Happened
The collision unfolded in the 1900 block of University Boulevard South, a frequently packed stretch near Atlantic Boulevard and St. Cecilia. The roadway was shut down for hours while Jacksonville Fire and Rescue battled the blaze and investigators documented the scene.
Emergency crews pronounced the Nissan driver dead at the scene. Two people in the Toyota were taken to a hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening. Drivers and nearby residents reported a chaotic scene as first responders worked to knock down the flames and clear the debris.
How to Help the Investigation
JSO is asking anyone with information to contact the sheriff’s office tip line at 904-630-0500 or email [email protected], and to call First Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS to remain anonymous, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. Anonymous tip and reward information is also available through First Coast Crime Stoppers.
Investigators say tips, videos or dash-cam footage could help track down Rivera-Russo or the Dodge Challenger involved.
Legal Implications
Under Florida law, leaving the scene of a crash that results in death is a first-degree felony and carries a mandatory minimum prison sentence of four years, with potential penalties of up to 30 years, according to Florida Statutes §316.027. A conviction can also lead to driver’s-license revocation and court-ordered restitution to victims.
The investigation remains active, and JSO says it will release further updates as new information comes in. Anyone with information or footage is urged to contact authorities using the channels listed above.
