A 36-year-old man is facing charges after police say he struck a woman and an 8-year-old child with his vehicle, then took off instead of stopping in New Smyrna Beach. Investigators have released few details so far, including the victims' conditions and the exact crash location, as they continue piecing together what happened.
According to FOX 35 Orlando, a brief June 17 report states that police allege the driver hit both victims and fled the scene. The outlet noted that neither the suspect nor the victims had been publicly identified at the time, and local law enforcement had not yet issued a full press release.
Crash Adds to Growing Beach-Safety Worries
Volusia County has seen a string of recent vehicle-pedestrian incidents that have locals increasingly on edge about beach driving rules and enforcement. On May 23, officials said a crash in New Smyrna Beach killed a 22-month-old girl, as reported by WESH. That earlier tragedy was also covered in a Hoodline report on a toddler struck on the beach.
What Leaving the Scene Can Mean Under Florida Law
Florida law draws a sharp line between fender-benders and crashes that hurt people. Drivers who leave the scene of a crash that causes injury can face felony charges, while incidents involving only property damage carry lighter penalties. State traffic statutes require drivers to stop, share identifying information and offer reasonable help when someone is injured, with penalties escalating along with the severity of injuries. The statutory language is laid out in Florida Statutes, Chapter 316.
Police Ask Public for Tips
Investigators are asking anyone who may have witnessed the June 17 incident, or who has video from the area, to contact the New Smyrna Beach Police Department or the Volusia County Sheriff's Office. Both agencies list non-emergency phone numbers and tip submission options on their official sites. This story will be updated if authorities release the driver's name, formal charges or additional details about the victims.
