What started as a routine traffic stop in Orlando ended with a 4-year-old left behind on the roadside and a driver running from deputies, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies say the man at the center of it all is now under arrest and facing hit-and-run and child-neglect allegations.
Deputies: Stop Turned Into a Hit-and-Run
According to WESH, Orange County deputies tried to pull over a vehicle on Powers Drive on June 9. They say the driver, identified as Jason Kenon, crashed into an SUV, then took off on foot, leaving a 4-year-old child at the scene.
Deputies told investigators that before running, Kenon briefly let a man and two children out of the vehicle, then bolted. According to WESH, a photo credited to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office shows the scene, and deputies said they recognized Kenon as having an outstanding warrant in neighboring Osceola County. After a brief pursuit, they caught up with him and took him into custody.
Charges and Legal Exposure
Florida law requires drivers involved in a crash to stop and exchange information. Leaving the scene can be charged as a misdemeanor or elevated to a felony if someone is hurt, under Florida Statute 316.061.
The state’s child-abuse law, Florida Statute 827.03, defines neglect as a caregiver’s failure to provide needed supervision or care. That neglect can be charged as a felony if it causes or could reasonably have caused serious harm. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles notes that penalties for hit-and-run offenses increase with the level of injury and the circumstances of the crash.
Investigation and Next Steps
Sheriff’s investigators say the case is still active. As reported by WESH, deputies had already recognized the suspect because of an outstanding warrant before the stop and arrested him after the brief chase. Prosecutors will review the investigation and decide whether to file formal charges. At the time of the report, the sheriff’s office had not released information about bond or court dates.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Office through ocso.com.
