Florida law requires that following an accident, the people involved must immediately stop and exchange identifying information. Failure to do so can be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor. In cases that involve just property damage, the charge is typically just a misdemeanor. In cases where an injury is involved, the charge is a third-degree felony, punishable by up to 5 years in prison or 5 years of probation and a $5,000 fine. When the accident involves death, the charge is a first-degree felony, punishable by up to 30 years in prison, and a $10,000 fine.
The Orlando Sentinel reports on a UCF senior who was seriously injured in a hit-and-run crash.
Early Saturday morning, UCF senior 21-year-old London Harrell was walking on the grass shoulder on Napiers Circle. She was struck by a black Acura which then fled the scene. The same vehicle had been in an earlier hit-and-run with a vehicle at Mandel Drive and Alafaya Trail.
Orange County deputies found the car in a parking lot on University Boulevard. The damage to the vehicle was consistent with the accidents. Blood and hair discovered in the windshield matched Harrell.
25-year-old Yousef Hasan was found sleeping on the ground beside the vehicle. Deputies said that his speech was slurred, and he had trouble standing. A breathalyzer came back negative for alcohol, but police believe he was under the influence of drugs.
Harrell’s father testified at Hasan’s first court appearance, stating that his daughter was in a coma and being kept alive by a respirator. He said that her survival did not appear likely.
Bond was set for Hasan at $11,500 and he was subsequently released from custody.
Hasan was ordered to surrender his Acura and warned not to drive other vehicles.
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