Driver Arrested After Citrus County Hit-and-Run Leaves 21-Year-Old Seriously Injured

A Citrus Springs man is recovering from serious injuries after being struck by a pickup truck in a hit-and-run crash on Saturday evening. The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) has since arrested the driver, identifying him as 46-year-old Jeffrey Alan Ackroyd of Dunnellon. The incident highlights not only the dangers of pedestrian accidents but also the severe criminal and civil consequences of fleeing the scene of a crash in Florida.

According to investigators, the crash occurred on North Golfview Drive near West Tee Circle. A 21-year-old man was walking along the roadway when a Toyota pickup truck traveling northbound veered into the southbound lane and struck him.

Instead of stopping to provide aid, FHP reports that the driver left the scene, leaving the injured man behind. The victim was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries.

Following an investigation and several anonymous tips, troopers located Ackroyd and his truck at a family member’s home off East Monarch Court on Sunday evening. He was arrested and booked into the Citrus County Jail on charges of leaving the scene of a crash with serious injuries.

Under Florida Statute § 316.027, drivers involved in a crash resulting in injury or death are legally required to:

• Immediately stop at the scene
• Provide identifying information (name, address, registration, insurance)
• Render reasonable assistance, such as calling emergency responders or transporting the victim if necessary

Failure to do so is considered a felony offense when serious bodily injury or death is involved. Penalties can include:

• Up to 15 years in prison
• Fines up to $10,000
• Driver’s license revocation
• A permanent felony record

Ackroyd now faces these serious consequences in addition to potential civil liability for the damages caused.

Civil Legal Options for Hit-and-Run Victims

In addition to criminal charges, victims of hit-and-run crashes — or their families in cases involving fatalities — may pursue civil claims to recover damages. For the 21-year-old victim in Citrus Springs, a civil lawsuit could provide compensation for:

• Medical expenses (emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation)
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity if the injuries prevent work
• Pain and suffering for physical and emotional trauma
• Future care needs for permanent injuries or disabilities

If the driver was uninsured or underinsured, the victim may also be able to seek recovery under Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage in their own auto policy.

Hit-and-run cases are often complicated because victims initially don’t know who struck them. Even once the driver is identified, insurance companies may attempt to minimize payouts, particularly if the driver claims lack of fault or disputes the extent of injuries.

An experienced personal injury attorney can:

• Work with law enforcement to obtain crash reports, witness statements, and surveillance footage
• Preserve evidence of liability, including vehicle damage and accident reconstruction
• Pursue both the driver and any available insurance coverage
• Advocate for maximum compensation, especially in cases of long-term medical needs or disability

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we believe drivers who leave the scene of a crash should be held fully accountable — not only in criminal court but also through civil lawsuits that help victims recover the resources they need to rebuild their lives.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a pedestrian accident or hit-and-run crash, we are here to help.

Call us at 305-638-4143 for a free, confidential consultation. We never charge fees unless we recover compensation for you.