From the Florida Highway Patrol
Troopers from the Florida Highway Patrol responded to a three-vehicle crash this morning in Osceola County, resulting in injuries to two drivers and a hit-and-run arrest.
According to the FHP report, at approximately 5:38 am, a 2008 Hummer H2 driven by a 50-year-old Poinciana man was traveling northbound on John Young Parkway, approaching The Oaks Boulevard in Kissimmee in the center lane. At the same time, a 2021 Toyota RAV4 driven by a 54-year-old Kissimmee woman and a 2015 Nissan Rogue driven by a 67-year-old Poinciana woman were stopped for traffic ahead on John Young Parkway south of The Oaks Boulevard.
The Rogue was directly in front of the RAV4. As it approached, the first vehicle failed to observe the second vehicle stopped ahead. As a result, the front of the Hummer collided with the rear of the second vehicle, which caused it to be propelled forward and collide with the rear of the third vehicle.
The RAV4 driver was transported to Osceola Regional Hospital with serious injuries. The Rogue driver was not transported and remained on the scene, reporting minor injuries.
After the collision, the Hummer driver made a U-turn and fled the scene southbound on John Young Parkway. An Osceola County Sheriff’s Office Deputy observed the driver fleeing the scene and conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle, which also had damage consistent with the collision. OCSO remained with the vehicle and the driver until FHP proceeded with the hit-and-run investigation.
Subsequently, FHP arrested Armando Juarez, age 50 of Poinciana, who was booked into the Osceola County Jail for failing to Stop or Remain at Crash involving Serious Injuries (felony – hit and run). V1 Driver was also provided a citation for careless driving. This crash remains under investigation.
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From the FHP:
Leaving the scene of a crash that results in property damage, injury, or death is against the law. The Florida Highway Patrol is reminding Floridians about the consequences of leaving the scene of a crash and the challenges law enforcement face when investigating a hit-and-run crash. If involved in a crash, stay at the scene, call for help, and follow these steps:
- Make sure you and any passengers are okay. Remain calm.
- If possible, move to the side of the road. Remove your keys if you leave your vehicle, move off the roadway, and stay in a safe area.
- Check on others involved. Call 911 if anyone might be injured or a vehicle is inoperable.
- If there are no injuries or major property damage, gather information. Get the name, driver's license, insurance, and tag information from the other driver(s). Take photos of the vehicles and information if you can’t write it down, and then file a report online.
- Most importantly, always stay at the scene. Leaving the scene of a crash will only make matters worse. Staying at the scene will not only spare a driver significant legal penalties but may save a life.
