Man Faces Multiple Charges After Fatal Hit and Run in Bradenton
Hit and run accidents are serious situations. Drivers should never flee an accident scene. In many cases, the victim never gets medical treatment, leading to fatality.
Sadly, this was recently the case in Bradenton. A driver fled an accident scene on the afternoon of May 1. He is now facing serious criminal charges.
The 40-year-old man was initially charged with leaving the scene of a crash involving injury or death. Authorities later added charges of DUI manslaughter and tampering with evidence. He remains in custody at the Manatee County Jail.
The crash happened in the 5600 block of 11th Avenue West. Officers responding to reports of a hit and run crash found a 77-year-old woman deceased in the yard of her home after a vehicle allegedly veered off the roadway and struck her.
Witnesses reported seeing a gold sedan leaving the area immediately after the crash. Police began canvassing the neighborhood for surveillance footage and obtained images of the suspected vehicle. Ring camera footage from nearby homes helped investigators identify the car believed to be involved.
Authorities said community members quickly responded to requests for information, which, combined with officers searching the area, helped lead investigators to multiple possible vehicles before locating the one connected to the crash.
A police sergeant later spotted the vehicle at a residence in the 7200 block of 13th Avenue West, within walking distance of the crash scene. The driver was reportedly at the home and cooperated with detectives during the investigation.
Earlier in the day, police had asked the public for help identifying an older gold sedan, possibly a Honda Accord. Investigators later announced that both the vehicle and a possible driver had been located.
Residents in the area said speeding has long been a concern on the street and that neighbors have repeatedly called for safety improvements. One resident described the crash as especially tragic given the quiet residential nature of the neighborhood and the large number of elderly residents who live there.
The criminal charges involved in a hit and run case often depend on the severity of the accident, whether injuries occurred, and whether the driver was impaired.
The most common charge in a hit-and-run case is leaving the scene of an accident. Drivers are generally required to:
- Stop immediately after a crash.
- Exchange contact and insurance information.
- Provide reasonable assistance to injured people.
- Notify law enforcement when required.
Failing to do so can result in misdemeanor or felony charges.
If the crash only causes damage to another vehicle, building, fence, mailbox, or other property, the offense is often treated as a misdemeanor. Potential penalties may include fines, probation, driver’s license suspension, and jail time in some cases.
Contact Us Today
After a car accident, those involved need to follow proper protocols. This means stopping and offering assistance to those who are injured.
A Bradenton car accident lawyer from Cahall Law Firm can assist those who have been injured in a crash. If someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, we can help you get compensation. Schedule a consultation today by calling (941) 281-2019 or filling out the online form.
Source:
mysuncoast.com/2026/05/01/vehicle-possible-driver-located-fatal-bradenton-hit-and-run/
