A dangerous decision behind the wheel led to multiple children being hurt Saturday afternoon after a crash sent an SUV airborne and into a canal in Highlands County.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, troopers responded around 1:31 p.m. on April 18 to Southwest Rucks Dairy Road, where they found a Ford Escape partially submerged in a water filled canal.
Investigators say the vehicle was carrying two adults and five children at the time of the crash.
According to the report, the driver told troopers he had been “showing off” while traveling northbound at a high rate of speed. He lost control of the SUV, which left the roadway, struck a mailbox, went airborne, and overturned into the canal.
The crash left several young children injured, including two with serious injuries.
A 10 year old girl, who was reportedly seated in the rear hatchback area of the SUV, suffered serious injuries and had to be airlifted to a hospital. A 7 year old boy also sustained serious injuries and was transported for treatment.
Three other children, a 5 year old boy and two 2 year olds, suffered minor injuries and were also taken to a hospital.
A 20 year old female passenger sustained minor injuries.
Troopers identified the driver as 19 year old Robert Oyd Lee Vanegas of Port St. Lucie. He was arrested at the scene and booked into the Highlands County Jail.
Authorities say Vanegas is facing charges including no driver’s license, reckless driving, and child neglect causing serious injury. Investigators allege the combination of reckless speed, unsafe conditions inside the vehicle, and failure to properly protect the children demonstrated a disregard for their safety.
The crash remains under investigation.
