WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — A man was arrested after investigators say he fled from the scene of a hit-and-run that killed a 66-year-old man in West Palm Beach.
The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) says the crash occurred on Saturday at 2:58 a.m. The victim was standing on the outside paved shoulder of northbound I-95, just north of Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard.
Investigators say the victim’s car became disabled and he was waiting for assistance on the side of the road. Around this time, 26-year-old Walter Diego Velazquez was driving a Honda Civic Sedan north along the outside lane of I-95.
FHP says for reasons yet to be determined, Velazquez’ sedan traveled onto the paved outside shoulder and collided with the victim.
Following the collision, investigators say the victim fell towards the outside grassy shoulder. He came to rest face-up. The sedan continued onward, eventually crashing into a tree.
FHP says Velazquez fled the scene on foot, leaving the victim. The 66-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene by Palm Beach County Fire Rescue (PBCFR).
Traffic Homicide Investigators were able to ultimately locate Velazquez at his home and arrest him. FHP said he was charged with hit-and-run fatality, operating a motor vehicle with no driver’s license and causing fatal injuries, and vehicular homicide.