Man arrested for hit-and-run that killed 15-year-old in LaBelle

Reporter: Amy Galo Writer: Matias Abril
Published: Updated:

A man from LaBelle has been arrested for the hit-and-run that killed a 15-year-old in September.

According to Florida Highway Patrol, on September 14, a Toyota SUV struck a 15-year-old bicyclist riding on Case Road in Labelle, Hendry County.

The 15-year-old bicyclist was pronounced deceased on scene, and the driver fled the scene in the Toyota SUV. 

The next day, Florida Highway Patrol located and impounded the Toyota SUV.

On October 20, 2023, FHP arrested the accused hit-and-run driver, Hector Santiago Jr., 28 of Labelle.

He was charged with vehicular homicide, leaving the scene of a death, and driving on a revoked license involving a death.

He was booked into the Hendry County Jail.

WINK News spoke to Eduardo’s family. Eduardo’s parents emphasized making Case and Evans Road safer by implementing speed bumps and lights.

“Necesitamos solucion. Solucion para los ninos,” Eduardo’s mother, Juany Escobedo, said that we need a solution for the kids.

According to Florida Highway Patrol, the investigation is still active and wouldn’t comment further on the case.

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