Driver Arrested in Fatal Tamarac Hit-and-Run Caught on Camera: Legal Options

A 23-year-old driver has been arrested in connection with a deadly hit-and-run crash in Tamarac that was captured on surveillance video and left a 51-year-old pedestrian dead. According to the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO), Demetrius Etienne was taken into custody Thursday and faces multiple felony charges.

This tragic case highlights the devastating consequences of hit-and-run crashes in Florida — and the urgent need for families to understand their legal rights after such a preventable loss.

The fatal incident occurred just before midnight on November 22 near the 5000 block of North State Road 7.

According to BSO:

• The victim, identified as Shane DeLinks, 51, was crossing the roadway
• He was struck by a Toyota Camry driven by Etienne
• While lying injured in the roadway, another vehicle ran over him and drove away
• Eventually, other drivers noticed DeLinks and stopped to help
• He was rushed to a local hospital but tragically died from his injuries days later

Caught on Video: The Driver’s Actions After the Crash

Surveillance footage shows:

• Etienne driving to a nearby Shell gas station immediately after striking DeLinks
• He exited the Camry and walked to the area where the victim was lying in the roadway
• Instead of rendering aid or calling 911 — as required by Florida law — Etienne returned to his vehicle and fled

Investigators later tracked down the Camry and identified Etienne as the driver.

He is now charged with:

• Leaving the scene of an accident causing death (felony)
• Tampering with evidence

The investigation remains active, and authorities are still searching for the second driver who ran over DeLinks after the initial impact and did not stop.

Florida Hit-and-Run Laws: Severe Penalties for Leaving the Scene

Under Florida Statute §316.027, drivers involved in crashes that result in injury or death must:

• Stop immediately
• Remain at the scene
• Render reasonable aid
• Contact law enforcement

Failing to do so — especially when a fatality occurs — is a first-degree felony, punishable by:

• Up to 30 years in prison
• Mandatory minimum 4-year sentence
• Driver’s license revocation
• Significant fines

Leaving a victim in the roadway dramatically increases the risk of further injury or death, which is exactly what happened in this case.

Why Hit-and-Run Cases Are Especially Devastating for Families

Losing a loved one is always traumatic, but hit-and-run cases create additional layers of pain:

• No immediate help is provided, increasing the chance of death
• Families suffer emotionally knowing the driver fled
• Identifying all responsible parties can be complicated
• Insurance companies often deny or delay claims until fault is established

This is why immediate legal involvement is critical.

What Families Can Do After a Fatal Hit-and-Run in Florida

When a loved one is killed in a hit-and-run, families may pursue a wrongful death claim against:

1. The at-fault driver
2. The owner of the vehicle, if different
3. Any additional drivers who contributed to the fatal injuries
4. Bars or establishments if alcohol involvement is suspected (dram shop liability)
5. Insurance companies, including UM/UIM policies

Potential compensation includes:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical costs before the victim’s passing
• Loss of companionship and support
• Mental pain and suffering for surviving family members
• Loss of financial contributions
• Punitive damages in cases of reckless or intentional misconduct

Hit-and-run cases often involve multiple layers of liability, and evidence must be secured quickly — including surveillance video, vehicle damage, witness accounts, the 911 timeline, and data from the vehicle’s black box.

How Flanagan & Bodenheimer Helps Hit-and-Run Victims’ Families

At our firm, we purposely maintain a small caseload so our attorneys can fully investigate and build every case with meticulous attention to detail. We routinely handle:

• Complex wrongful death claims
• Hit-and-run crashes
• Cases involving multiple vehicles and disputed liability
• Claims against negligent drivers and insurance companies

We also take cases other firms reject — and win them.

Families pay nothing unless we secure compensation.

If your family has been affected by this tragedy in Tamarac or anywhere in Broward County, you deserve answers, accountability, and justice.

📞 Contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer today for a free, confidential consultation.