Sumter County, FL — A 17-year-old boy is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly causing a high-speed crash on Interstate 75 Monday night that killed one teen and injured four others, then attempting to flee the scene by removing the car’s license plate.
High-Speed Dodge Charger Crash
According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the crash occurred in the southbound lanes of I-75 near Wildwood. The teen, driving a Dodge Charger, was reportedly traveling at a high rate of speed when he attempted to overtake slower traffic. In an evasive maneuver to avoid a collision, he lost control, veered off the road, and struck a tree.
The vehicle erupted in flames upon impact.
Attempt to Hide Identity and Flee
FHP said that immediately after the crash, the driver exited the vehicle, removed the license plate, and fled on foot. Troopers and Sumter County Sheriff’s deputies tracked him to a chicken coop on 111th Lane, where he was arrested without further incident.
Casualties and Injuries
All five occupants of the vehicle, including the driver, were transported to local hospitals. The victims were identified as:
- Driver: Male, 17, Inverness — minor injury
- Passenger: Male, 16, Inverness — fatal injury
- Passenger: Male, 17, Inverness — minor injury
- Passenger: Male, 13, Inverness — minor injury
- Passenger: Male, 15, Inverness — serious injury
The 16-year-old passenger was pronounced dead shortly after arrival at the hospital.
Felony Charges Filed
The teen driver now faces multiple felony counts, including:
- Vehicular homicide
- Leaving the scene of a crash involving death
- Additional charges related to reckless driving and endangering minors
Authorities have not disclosed whether speed alone or other factors, such as impairment, played a role.
Road Safety and Teen Driving Risks
Fatalities involving teen drivers are disproportionately high, particularly in cases involving speeding, inexperience, and multiple young passengers. Law enforcement stresses that reckless behavior behind the wheel can have irreversible consequences.
Parents and guardians are urged to:
- Monitor their teen’s driving habits
- Limit the number of passengers for young drivers
- Stress the dangers of speeding and distractions
- Enforce seatbelt use for everyone in the vehicle
Do you think teen drivers should face stricter penalties for reckless driving that results in death? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
