A suspected hit-and-run driver was arrested, one day after he allegedly struck and killed an elderly Orlando man who was attempting to cross a roadway in Orange County.
The fatal crash occurred at around 10:15 p.m. on Thursday, May 15, near the intersection of W Holden Avenue and S Orange Blossom Trail, according to a report from the Florida Highway Patrol.
FHP stated that a vehicle, later identified as a 2012 Toyota Sienna, was heading westbound on Holden Avenue, near the Orange Blossom Trail intersection, in the inside lane. At the same time, a 76-year-old Orlando man was walking southbound when he began crossing the westbound lanes of Holden Avenue.
A trooper noted that the elderly man was not in a marked crosswalk when he proceeded to step into the direct path of the Toyota. He was then struck by the vehicle’s front left section.
The pedestrian was transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced deceased. His name was not released by FHP.
After the collision, the Toyota fled westbound on W Holden Avenue. In an update on Friday, May 16, FHP said that troopers were able to locate the vehicle.
The suspected driver of the Toyota, identified as 65-year-old Orlando resident Ferdinand Georges, was also located, placed under arrest, and booked into Orange County Jail. He is currently being held at the jail without bond, and he is being charged with leaving the scene of a crash involving death.
“This case remains an active criminal investigation,” said FHP in a media release. No further details were provided.