A teenager, believed to be under the influence of drugs, was arrested Sunday, accused of vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of a crash.
Troopers arrested 18-year-old Anthony M. Motta, after they say, he struck and killed 53-year-old Forrest Flaniker, Jr., on South Avalon Park Boulevard near Tea Rose Drive.
Motta was traveling southbound in the outside lane when he failed to maintain control of the 2010 Ford Fusion he was driving and veered off the roadway. The vehicle struck the rear of Flaniker’s bicycle and he was ejected.
Flaniker was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident by the medical examiner.
Troopers say, after the collision Motta then ran into a tree in the center median. He attempted to flee on foot, but was kept at the scene until police arrived, troopers also say. He was taken to Florida Hospital East by troopers and arrested there.
It is believed that Motta was under the influence of drugs. He was charged with DUI manslaughter, vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of a crash.
