Children hospitalized in Lehigh Acres crash

LEHIGH ACRES, Fla. Two children, including a 1-year-old boy, were hospitalized after a car crashed into a canal near Butte Street and Champion Avenue, the Florida Highway Patrol said.

The crash took place around 6:04 p.m. The driver, who was 13 years old, was speeding down Butte Street when he lost control of the 1999 Toyota Camry after trying to turn right onto Champion Avenue, according to the FHP.

The Toyota overturned several times before rolling over into the canal.

The driver was able to get out of the car and rescue the toddler from the submerged vehicle, the FHP said.

Both children were transported to Lee Memorial Hospital, but were later released with minor injuries.

The children’s father, 31-year-old Martin Martinez Jr., had given the driver permission to drive the Toyota and was arrested for child neglect, according to the FHP.