NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. – Before a man was accused of driving his truck off the road in New Smyrna Beach over the weekend, hitting a couple and killing a woman, police said they were already looking for him for hitting people’s property and driving off.
Police said the driver was suspected of hitting mailboxes on the beachside before crossing the North Causeway bridge and reaching the fatal accident site. They said once he was mainland, he veered off the roadway in his Ford F250, drove onto the sidewalk, and hit a couple walking from behind. Investigators said the couple was walking to the Images Art Festival downtown near Canal Street when they were struck.
The driver remained at the scene after the accident, and police are determining whether criminal charges will be filed.
“We’re still investigating that crash and will determine if any criminal charges are appropriate,” said Interim Chief Chris Kirk. “That part of the investigation will take a little bit of time as we execute search warrants and conduct analysis.”
Kevin Buchans witnessed the horrific accident.
“I’m now scared to death. I’m watching everything and anything around me,” he said. “He hit these two pedestrians, went through the telephone pole, ricocheted off of five oak trees before he stopped in front of one across the street.”
Buchans said he was just feet away from being hit, too.
“I was standing two and a half feet in front of that oak tree and trying to figure out which way I was going to run. I just made up my mind within a split second and threw my bicycle and rolled,” he said.
Police have not released the couple’s identity but confirmed they lived part-time in New Smyrna Beach and Altamonte Springs. The husband was injured but has since been released from the hospital.
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