The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
According to police reports, the incident happened in Key West and began earlier in the day when the suspect and another person allegedly took a golf cart without permission. Investigators said a master key was used, which can start multiple golf carts. After allegedly taking the cart, the suspect reportedly drove around the city for a while.
At some point, the suspect reportedly picked up a friend, who rode in the back of the golf cart. Police say the ride took a dangerous turn when the driver allegedly made a sudden and sharp U-turn. The friend was reportedly thrown from the back seat and hit the pavement. Witnesses told officers they saw the driver brake suddenly, which caused the passenger to be ejected from the cart.
The suspect allegedly drove away from the scene and continued riding around as if nothing had happened. The injured man was later taken to a local hospital, where, according to police, the scans showed his hip was fractured. Emergency surgery was required to repair the injury.
Officers later spotted the suspect after he allegedly ran a red light while driving the golf cart. It was also discovered that the suspect reportedly did not have a valid driver’s license.
The man was taken into custody and booked into the Monroe County Jail. He is facing preliminary charges of two counts of grand theft of a motor vehicle, one count of failing to stop or remain at a crash involving serious bodily injury, and one count of operating a vehicle without a valid license. Facility records indicate that at the time this was written, he was being held in lieu of a $41,000 bond.
If you or someone you love is suspected of an assault or battery offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.