A Central Florida couple saw their moving day turn into a nightmare yesterday when another driver slammed into their car and sent it spinning into a retention pond. Video of the crash shows the vehicle plunging into the water and the couple scrambling to get out. Neighbors and passersby were left rattled, and authorities say they are still hunting for the driver who took off instead of sticking around.
What the video shows and what the couple said
According to FOX 35 Orlando, the pair are identified as Mya Caetano and Sam Andrews and told the station they had been in the middle of packing for a move from Central Florida to Rhode Island when the crash happened. FOX 35's footage shows another vehicle hitting the couple's car, then the striking driver leaving the scene. The outlet's report includes raw video from the moments right after impact. The station did not immediately report any arrests.
What Florida law says about leaving the scene
Florida law requires any driver involved in a crash that causes injury, death, or property damage to stop, share identifying information, and offer help if needed. Leaving the scene is a crime that can bring misdemeanor charges for property damage or felony charges if someone is injured or killed, according to the Florida statutes. The traffic code spells out when drivers must report a crash and lays out the penalties for failing to do so.
Hit-and-runs remain a serious problem in Florida
Hit-and-run crashes continue to make up a noticeable share of Florida traffic deaths. A recent AAA Foundation research brief found that from 2017 through 2023, hit-and-run fatalities represented roughly 7.3% of the state's traffic fatalities. Numbers like that help explain why investigators treat fleeing drivers as a top priority even when victims manage to walk away.
Police want tips from the public
FOX 35 Orlando reported that local police are investigating the crash, but have not released the name of any suspect. Authorities are asking anyone who has video, dashcam footage, or information about the incident to contact their local law enforcement agency so investigators can track down the vehicle that sped away.
