Last night's hit-and-run at the intersection of Lee Road and Adanson Street in unincorporated Orange County left a man in a wheelchair and a dog dead and a woman critically injured, according to authorities. The driver took off before troopers arrived, turning a deadly crash into an active criminal investigation.
Troopers said the man and woman were struck along with the dog, and that the woman was rushed by first responders to Orlando Regional Medical Center. She was later listed in critical but stable condition. Investigators say they are still working to track down the driver who left the scene.
According to the Orlando Sentinel, Florida Highway Patrol troopers responded around 8:59 p.m. They believe the vehicle that hit the victims was a 2021 Lexus ES that had been heading east on Lee Road when it left the roadway toward the left and struck a raised median. Debris from the wheelchair was reportedly thrown toward a 2006 Toyota Tacoma that had been stopped in a westbound left-turn lane.
What troopers say
Troopers told reporters they later found the suspected Lexus in a nearby parking lot with damage that matched what they expected from the crash. Investigators are now processing the vehicle and collecting evidence in an effort to identify who was driving at the time of the collision.
The Florida Highway Patrol has described the case as an active criminal investigation and said it will follow every lead available to determine who was behind the wheel when the victims were hit.
Investigators seek tips
As reported by the Orlando Sentinel, troopers are asking anyone who might have seen the crash or has related photos or video to contact CrimeLine at 1-800-423-8477. Drivers with dash-cam footage and nearby residents or businesses with surveillance video from around the time of the wreck are urged to reach out to the Florida Highway Patrol to help investigators fill in the gaps.
What the law says
Under Florida law, any driver involved in a crash that causes death or serious injury must stop and stay at the scene. Leaving in that situation can lead to felony charges. The statute that governs crashes involving death or personal injuries is outlined in F.S. 316.027.
Troopers have not announced any charges at this time, and the investigation remains ongoing. Investigators continue to examine the scene and review collected evidence. Officials have not yet released the names of the victims while they work to notify next of kin.
Anyone with information is asked to call CrimeLine or contact the Florida Highway Patrol's Troop D office so detectives can keep piecing together exactly what happened at the intersection that night.
