SUMTER COUNTY, Fla. — A Monday afternoon drive turned deadly when a speeding car full of teenagers crashed in Sumter County.
Troopers say a Dodge Charger was speeding and driving recklessly on Interstate 75 southbound. Troopers say the car took “evasive action” to avoid a collision and ended up going over the shoulder and hitting a tree, erupting in flames.
According to Florida Highway Patrol, the 17-year-old driver got out, removed the license plate and ran away. He was caught hiding in a chicken coop off 111th Lane.
That driver and his four passengers, ages 13-17, were taken to area hospitals for various injuries. One of those passengers, a 16-year-old boy, died.
The driver was later arrested on multiple felony charges, including vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of the crash involving death.
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