A quick stop for food turned terrifying at a Clermont McDonald's when a 5-year-old girl was struck by a car and dragged roughly 30 to 60 yards across the parking lot, police say. The crash happened on May 2 in the early afternoon outside the McDonald's on State Road 50, and while the child suffered non-life-threatening injuries, the driver has yet to be found. Investigators have released images of a suspect and vehicle and are urging anyone who knows anything to come forward.
Clermont police said in a press release that the collision happened at 2640 E. SR-50 at about 1:21 p.m., according to ClickOrlando. Surveillance footage reportedly shows a silver four-door sedan, possibly a Mazda6, striking the child before continuing into the restaurant's parking lot. Police described the girl's injuries as non-life-threatening and said the search for the driver is ongoing.
Police release images as hunt for driver continues
According to the release, surveillance video shows a silver four-door sedan, possibly a Mazda6, involved in the incident, and investigators have shared still images of both the vehicle and a suspected driver, ClickOrlando reports. Police described the suspect as a man in his early to mid-20s, wearing a gray T-shirt, blue shorts, Croc-style shoes and a necklace with a dark cord and silver pendants. Anyone who recognizes him, or who has dash-cam or surveillance footage from the area, is asked to email [email protected].
What Florida law requires after a crash
Under Florida law, any driver involved in a crash that results in injury must stop and remain at the scene to provide information and render aid. Leaving the scene of such a crash can be prosecuted as a felony under Florida Statutes Section 316.027. The statute allows courts to order restitution and revoke driving privileges for convicted drivers, with penalties increasing when serious injury or death is involved. Prosecutors decide whether to file charges if investigators identify a driver and believe the evidence supports the offense.
How the public can help Clermont police
The Clermont Police Department lists its non-emergency line as 352-394-5588 and provides additional contact information for tips on its website, according to the Clermont Police Department. Investigators say any photos, video or eyewitness details from the area around the time of the crash could be useful. Police plan to continue reviewing camera footage and interviewing witnesses as they work to identify the driver and the vehicle involved.
