A 2-year-old boy lost his life after being struck by an allegedly drunk teenage driver in a gated community in Tavares, Florida.
On Monday evening, September 2nd, the young child was riding his tricycle near his home in the Oak Bend neighborhood when a speeding truck, driven by 19-year-old Joshua Montero, careened into him. Despite the desperate efforts of neighbors and paramedics, the boy tragically succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital.
Read: Tampa Police Seek Public’s Help Identifying Armed Robbery Suspect
Witnesses reported that Montero was driving recklessly and well above the posted speed limit. The child’s parents, who were in their driveway at the time, even shouted at the truck to slow down, but their pleas went unheeded.
The impact was devastating. The truck’s front tires completely rolled over the child, and witnesses say his tricycle was dragged for several feet before the vehicle finally stopped.
Read: Florida Man Gets 30 Years For Murdering Dad, Keeping Him In Freezer
Police arriving at the scene immediately noticed the smell of alcohol on Montero’s breath. Subsequent tests confirmed he was intoxicated, with a blood alcohol level exceeding the legal limit for someone under the drinking age.
Montero now faces a charge of DUI manslaughter and is being held without bond. The Tavares Police Department expressed their profound sadness at the loss of the young boy’s life, emphasizing that this tragedy was entirely preventable.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Android Users: Download our free app to stay up-to-date on the latest news.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.