Fiery hit-and-run, crash involving sheriff’s deputy close SR-417 in Oviedo

OVIEDO, Fla. – Two crashes in the same area -- the first a fiery hit-and run and the second involving a sheriff’s deputy’s cruiser -- prompted the closure of State Road 417 in Seminole County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The first crash was reported Friday morning on northbound S.R. 417 near Red Bug Lake Road in Oviedo.

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FHP spokeswoman Kim Montes said a Ford struck the back of a Lexus, and the driver of the Ford ran away. The Ford then caught fire, troopers said.

One person in the Lexus was taken to a hospital with minor injuries, according to Montes, who said troopers are trying to locate the owner of the Ford.

As that crash was being cleared, a second wreck occurred nearby at Aloma Avenue, where S.R. 417 was closed.

The FHP said two marked Seminole County Sheriff’s Office SUVs were assisting with the first crash, diverting traffic from S.R. 417 onto Aloma, when a Ford SUV failed to stop and plowed into one of cruisers.

A deputy was getting into her vehicle at the time of the crash and was knocked to the ground, Montes said.

The deputy and the driver of the Ford SUV suffered minor injuries and were taken to the hospital, the FHP said.

Charges are pending against the driver of the Ford SUV, according to the FHP.