According to the police officials, the 32-year-old man who was illegally in the U.S. and fled from a crash that killed a 5-year-old girl was arrested on Saturday, Oct. 23. He faces a series of charges, including deportation following his arrest hours after the fatal crash. The crash occurred around 8:15 p.m. that night.
Prosecutors say the 32-year-old man, Ernesto Lopez Morales, was speeding in Chevrolet Suburban with his headlights off when he collided with the rear of Hyundai Elantra in Florida.
Authorities say the Hyundai Elantra was driven by a woman with her daughter in the backseat. Authorities say their vehicle was pushed more than 600 feet before both vehicles stopped. The responding officers say the 5-year-old girl was pronounced dead at the scene. The woman was taken to a hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
Witnesses said they saw the suspect flee the scene on foot. Morales, who is a Guatemalan citizen, was later found at his home. He allegedly ‘told investigators that he drank six 32-ounce beers and left to buy more.’ The 32-year-old man allegedly admitted to not having his headlights on and leaving the crash scene.
He also told authorities that he left the crash because he doesn’t have insurance or a driver’s license.
A search of the illegal immigrant‘s driving history revealed Morales not having a driver’s license from Florida or any other state. At the time of a blood test some 9 hours after the crash, the suspect had a blood alcohol level of .108 grams of alcohol per 100 ml of blood.
The 32-year-old man is now charged with driving under the influence, manslaughter, leaving the scene of a crash involving death, DUI property damage, and other offenses. He is being held on $22,500 bond.
This incident remains under investigation. This is a developing story and it will be updated as new information become available.