A 30-year-old driver was arrested after troopers say he bolted from a high-speed crash on Interstate 4 near Sanford that left a motorcyclist in critical condition and shut down westbound traffic late Saturday. The collision happened just before 10 p.m. on westbound I-4 near mile marker 104 in Seminole County, where traffic quickly backed up as all eyes turned to the flashing lights. Troopers later found the suspect hiding in nearby woods and took him into custody.
Florida Highway Patrol troopers identified the driver as 30-year-old Edwin Gabriel Amaya Reyes and said his Nissan Altima rear-ended a motorcycle stopped on the shoulder. Both Reyes and a passenger allegedly ran from the car, according to FOX 35 Orlando. The motorcyclist was transported to a hospital in critical condition, the outlet reported.
Traffic Backups and Response
All westbound lanes were blocked for a time as crews worked the scene and troopers began piecing together what happened, snarling traffic on a busy stretch of highway. Traffic accounts, including FL511, posted a steady stream of updates on the shutdown and detours, according to ClickOrlando. Drivers in the Sanford area were urged to find another way around while law enforcement cleared the wreckage and reopened the interstate.
How Troopers Located The Suspect
Troopers said they turned to a drone to help track down the driver, eventually spotting Reyes hiding in a nearby wooded area. In interviews, his version of events reportedly did not line up with the physical evidence, which investigators cited as a key reason for detaining him, per FOX 35 Orlando. An arrest report cited by the outlet states Reyes registered a .215 on a breath test before he was booked into jail.
Charges And Legal Stakes
According to reporting, Reyes was booked on counts that include DUI causing serious bodily injury, driving without a license causing death or serious injury, and failure to stop or remain at the scene. The statutes that spell out DUI penalties and a driver’s obligations after a crash are detailed in the Florida Statutes, and prosecutors could pursue felony charges depending on the extent of the injuries and other factors.
The Florida Highway Patrol said the investigation remains open, with troopers still compiling evidence and tracking down additional details from the scene. Anyone with information is asked to contact FHP. As the case moves through the court system, prosecutors will decide which charges to formally file and pursue.
