Driver Arrested After Fatal Orlando Hit-and-Run That Killed Pedestrian, FHP Says

A tragic hit-and-run crash in Orlando has resulted in the arrest of a 40-year-old man after a pedestrian was fatally struck Sunday evening, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The deadly collision occurred just before 8 p.m. at the intersection of Dean Road and Flowers Avenue.

Troopers said that when they arrived at the scene, the female victim was unresponsive as bystanders and first responders performed CPR. Due to the severity of her injuries, she was airlifted to a nearby hospital, where she later died. Her name has not yet been released.

According to an arrest report, the driver fled immediately after the crash. Roughly 45 minutes to an hour later, the suspect returned to the area in a different vehicle and approached deputies.

Authorities identified him as Alexander James Petrone, 40, of Orlando. Petrone admitted that he had been driving the vehicle involved but claimed he didn’t know what he had struck.

Investigators later located his brown Honda Accord at his home, approximately two miles from the crash site. The vehicle had damage consistent with a pedestrian impact, according to FHP.

Petrone was taken into custody around 11 p.m. and charged with felony hit-and-run for failing to stop and remain at the scene. He was booked into Orange County Jail and appeared in court Monday, where a judge set bond at $10,000.

Troopers say the case has now been assigned to a Traffic Homicide Investigator, and upgraded charges are likely as the investigation progresses.

Fatal hit-and-run collisions continue to rise across Florida despite widespread public awareness campaigns. In many cases, drivers flee because they:

• Fear criminal charges
• May be impaired or unlicensed
• Panic and leave instead of helping the victim
• Hope to avoid financial or legal consequences

Under Florida Statute §316.062, drivers involved in crashes must stop, render aid, and provide identification. Fleeing the scene of a fatal crash is a felony and carries significant prison time when charges are upgraded to Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Death (§316.027).

Legal Rights for Families After a Fatal Pedestrian Hit-and-Run

Even though the driver has been arrested, the victim’s family may still have grounds to file a wrongful death claim under the Florida Wrongful Death Act (§768.16–§768.26).

Compensation may be available for:

• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of financial support and services
• Loss of companionship and mental anguish
• Medical expenses incurred before death
• Punitive damages in cases involving reckless or criminal conduct

Hit-and-run crashes often result in significant civil liability, especially if the driver was speeding, distracted, impaired, or knowingly left the victim without help.

Potential Sources of Compensation

Families may be able to pursue recovery from:

• The at-fault driver’s insurance
• UM/UIM (uninsured motorist) coverage under the victim’s own policy
• A household member’s auto insurance
• Personal injury protection (PIP) benefits
• Additional defendants if roadway conditions or lighting contributed

Because hit-and-run cases involve unique insurance issues, early investigation is essential.

Key Evidence in Orlando Pedestrian Fatalities

To build a strong civil case, attorneys move quickly to secure:

• Surveillance footage from nearby businesses and homes
• 911 call audio
• Vehicle black box data
• Crash reconstruction analysis
• Police reports and witness statements
• The vehicle’s damage pattern
• Cell phone or impairment data from the driver

Evidence can disappear within days, which is why families should consult an attorney immediately.

The sudden loss of a loved one in a hit-and-run is devastating and leaves families searching for answers. At Flanagan & Bodenheimer, we help families navigate these complex cases with urgency, compassion, and a commitment to securing justice.

Our firm offers:

• Free case evaluations
• No upfront fees
• Direct communication with your attorney
• Immediate investigation assistance

If your family has been affected by a fatal pedestrian crash in Orlando or anywhere in Florida, contact us today to discuss your legal options.