CLERMONT, Fla. – A 14-year-old Lake Minneola High School student was killed in a hit-and-run crash while waiting for a school bus Thursday morning on County Road 455 near Clermont, according to district officials.
The Florida Highway Patrol said troopers arrested Enrique Ramirez, 57, in connection with the crash, which happened around 6:25 a.m. on County Road 455 at Willo Pines Lane.
[TRENDING: Owner pulls the plug on Orlando’s last RadioShack after 52 years in business | ‘Never been done before:’ News 6 investigation helps lead to arrest of gas pump manipulators | Become a News 6 Insider]
According to a crash report, the boy was hit by a 2007 Pontiac G6 heading north on CR-455 after the student stepped in front of the vehicle. Troopers said the collision caused the 14-year-old to be thrown into the southbound lane.
The Pontiac drove off after the crash, according to FHP. The 14-year-old was hit by a second vehicle, a Dodge Ram, that was traveling south, troopers said. The driver of the pickup was uninjured and remained at the scene.
FHP said the first vehicle that struck the boy was later located, and investigators spoke with the owner to find out who was driving at the time of the wreck.
Ramirez faces a charge for leaving the scene of a fatal crash. He is being held without bond.
Lake County Schools said the student was a freshman at Lake Minneola High School.
A message was sent to parents Wednesday morning regarding the crash.
“This is a difficult day for all of us, but especially for the family members and those friends and classmates who knew him best. Please keep all of them in your thoughts and prayers,” the principal said in the message.
Lake County Schools said grief counselors will be at the high school.
An investigation is ongoing.
Ramirez is currently booked in Lake County jail.
Those interested in donating to the 14-year-old boy’s family to help with funeral expenses and other costs can do so at the following GoFundMe page.
This is a developing story and will be updated with more information as we receive it.
CR 455 & Willo Pines Ln, Clermont is shutdown due to a vehicle versus pedestrian. Emergency personnel are on scene.
— LakeCountySO (@LakeCountySO) November 17, 2022
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: