Plant City Man Charged in Fatal Hit and Run Accident
Ignacio Jose Gonzalez, 30, is charged with leaving the scene of a crash involving an injury, leaving the scene of a crash involving death, and driving without a valid driver's license. Gonzalez is alleged to have been involved in a car accident that killed a man and criticically wounded a woman. The accident happened at approximately 11 p.m. on Saturday when a Ford Expedition turned in front of a motorcycle driven by Roger Chesteine. Chesteine, who was 55 years old, was driving a 1981 Yamaha motorcycle. Chesteine died at the scene. The passenger on the motorcycle, Rhonda White, 42, was taken to Lakeland Regional Medical Center and remains in critical condition. After the accident, Gonzalez back up and drove north on Wilder Road. A tip from a hotline assisted police in finding Gonzalez and he was arrested. The caller has been identified as the suspect's cousin and was asked by Gonzalez if he could park the Expedition at his house.
The caller in this instance did a noble thing when he did not have to. Without the caller's tip, Gonzalez may not have been apprehended. Leaving the scene of an accident involving death or seriously bodily injury is a first degree felony in Florida. If the driver of the vehicle was found to be intoxicated by alcohol, a DUI manslaughter charge might be appropriate. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, please contact a personal injury attorney with Moody Law to have your questions answered. A personal injury attorney with Moody Law can help you negotiate your medical bills even if insurance funds are very limited. A consultation with one of our personal injury attorneys in the Lakeland, Winter Haven, Bartow, Haines City, Plant City, Polk County, Florida or greater Central Florida is free.