ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – The driver of an SUV faces a charge of DUI manslaughter after he struck and killed a 6-year-old boy on a bicycle Saturday afternoon, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Troopers said the crash happened at the intersection of White Cloud Avenue and W. Tahoe Street in Orange County around 4:43 p.m.
According to a crash report, a Chevrolet Suburban – being driven by a 53-year-old Apopka man – was traveling north on White Cloud Avenue, approaching West Tahoe Street.
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At the same time, a 6-year-old boy on a bicycle was traveling east on W. Tahoe Street, approaching White Cloud Avenue.
According to the report, a witness stated that the Suburban failed to stop at the posted stop sign and as a result, the front of the SUV struck the bicyclist.
Troopers said the child was taken to AdventHealth Apopka where he was pronounced dead.
Dozens in the Rock Springs community in Apopka gathered to light candles and say prayers, lifting up the boy’s family.
“I saw the kid playing a few times with the kids. They’ve been having fun with each other. We make sure we gather enough people to volunteer to help out. So having all these people out here grieving, it says something as a community,” said Eric Morales, an Apopka resident.
Many community members placed crosses, toys, and other items near the memorial on White Cloud Avenue, where the boy lost his life.
“He was only 6 years old. It just touched my heart for him and his family,” said Yadira Romano, an Apopka High School student who started the memorial.
The driver, identified as 53-year-old Francisco Rosillo Arriola, was not injured.
Troopers said that Arriola was arrested and booked into the Orange County jail where he faces charges of DUI manslaughter, DUI 3rd violation, vehicular homicide, no driver’s license causing death and running a stop sign.
“It’s his third DUI, this is the first time this is happening. These people sit there and get three and four and five DUIs and keep doing it,” said John, a resident of Rocks Springs Mobile Home Park.
Several residents have complained to the management of Rocks Springs Mobile Home Park about the need for added safety measures in the area, but they believe their concerns have fallen on deaf ears.
“No safety area for the children. They don’t have any swings to play around. They don’t have a safety place. They can gather together around wide roads or play on swings or play basketball,” Morales said.
Residents say they’ve seen several people speeding and driving dangerously in the area, and they fear for their lives.
“It’s not the first time, it’s the second time a kid has gotten hit because people are racing around the corners. It’s a shame that a kid has to die for everybody to come out here and do something,” John said.
On Tuesday, residents will march to the office of the manager at Rocks Springs Mobile Home Park around 3:30 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. to push for safety improvements, the opening of the gates in the community and investment in a children’s playground.
An investigation is ongoing.
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