Photo: Jaromir / Moment / Getty Images
Sumter County, FL - A 17-year-old driver now faces felony charges after allegedly fleeing the scene of a fatal crash on I-75 in Sumter County, with authorities finding him hiding in a chicken coop nearby.
The incident took place on Monday afternoon around 3 p.m. in the Oxford area.
Florida Highway Patrol officials reported that the driver of a Dodge Charger was speeding and driving recklessly when he lost control, veered off the road, and crashed into a tree.
The car caught fire after the impact.
After the crash, the driver allegedly exited the vehicle, removed the license plate, and fled the scene on foot, leaving behind four passengers - ranging from 13 to 17 years old.
The passengers were rushed to the hospital, and tragically, a 16-year-old boy from Inverness later died from his injuries.
A search was immediately launched by FHP and Sumter County deputies, who tracked down the driver shortly after.
He was found hiding in a nearby chicken coop, not far from the crash site, and was arrested on the spot.
The 17-year-old now faces charges of vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of a crash involving death.
Investigations are ongoing, and further details about the incident have not yet been released.