A 19-year-old in Florida is facing charges of DUI manslaughter after running over a 2-year-old and dragging him and his tricycle in a gated community. The mother of the child, along with her husband, witnessed the horrifying incident as they stood in their driveway on Labor Day while their children were riding their bikes. They yelled at the driver to slow down, but the truck continued towards the cul-de-sac, dragging the child a few feet before coming to a stop.
The Tavares Police Department responded to the incident in the Oak Bend neighborhood where the child was hit by the truck. Despite the efforts of neighbors providing emergency medical care, the child did not survive his injuries. Police detected an odor of alcohol from the vehicle’s owner, Montero, during the investigation. Montero initially refused to participate in sobriety exercises but eventually agreed after an officer mentioned potential arrest based on observed indicators. A breathalyzer test confirmed he was under the influence of alcohol.
The accident occurred in a closed, gated community on a dead-end street where families typically felt safe allowing their children to play. Witnesses reported that the truck was traveling at high speeds and behaving carelessly prior to the accident. Montero’s breath sample showed alcohol levels above the legal limit for an underage driver. Officers noted additional signs of intoxication such as bloodshot and glassy eyes, along with a strong smell of alcohol from Montero’s breath.
The affidavit detailed that Montero was only wearing swim trunks at the time of the incident, and the witness described how they believed the front tires of the truck ran over the child. The tragic event was described as preventable and heartbreaking by police as they expressed sorrow for the loss of the innocent boy’s life. Montero’s actions in driving under the influence led to the devastating outcome, highlighting the dangers of drunk driving and the importance of responsible behavior behind the wheel, especially in residential areas.
The community where the accident occurred was shocked by the tragedy, as it was a place where families felt secure allowing their children to play outside under supervision. Witnesses recounted Montero’s reckless driving that ultimately resulted in the death of the young child. The affidavit noted Montero’s initial refusal to cooperate with authorities and the subsequent confirmation of his intoxication through a breathalyzer test. The details gathered from the investigation painted a clear picture of the events leading up to the devastating collision.
The impact of the child’s death reverberated through the neighborhood, prompting a response from law enforcement regarding the dangers of speeding and careless driving. Montero’s actions led to the loss of a young life, emphasizing the importance of responsible behavior while operating a vehicle. The tragic incident served as a heartbreaking reminder of the devastating consequences of driving under the influence and the need for increased awareness and vigilance on the roads to prevent further tragedies like this from occurring.
