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Man Arrested After Charlotte County Hit-and-Run Injures Adult and Two Children on Halloween Night
Authorities say a 66-year-old Punta Gorda man has been arrested after a hit-and-run crash in Charlotte County left three pedestrians — an adult and two children — injured on Halloween night.
The incident happened around 7:56 p.m. Friday on Sandhill Boulevard, an area known for heavy trick-or-treat foot traffic, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).
FHP investigators say a Dodge Ram pickup truck was traveling southbound on Sandhill Boulevard when it struck a parked vehicle and three pedestrians walking nearby.
The victims — an adult and two children — were taken to local hospitals with injuries. Their conditions have not yet been released.
Following the collision, the driver fled the scene, leaving the injured victims behind.
Troopers later identified the suspect as Eugene Mandarino, 66, of Punta Gorda, and located both him and the vehicle after an extensive investigation. Mandarino was admitted to a hospital for undisclosed medical reasons and now faces multiple felony charges for leaving the scene of a crash involving injuries.
Under Florida Statute §316.027, leaving the scene of a crash that results in injury or death is a felony offense.
The law requires all drivers involved in a collision to:
- Stop immediately at or near the scene.
- Render aid to any injured individuals.
- Provide identification and contact information to law enforcement and other parties.
Failure to comply can result in severe penalties, including:
- Up to 5 years in prison and $5,000 in fines for leaving a scene involving injury.
- Up to 30 years in prison for leaving a scene involving death.
- Mandatory driver’s license revocation and potential civil liability.
In cases involving child victims, prosecutors often pursue enhanced sentencing due to the heightened vulnerability of minors and the willful disregard for safety involved in fleeing.
Civil Liability and Victims’ Rights
In addition to criminal charges, the driver in this case could face civil liability for the injuries caused. Victims and their families may pursue compensation for:
- Medical expenses and ongoing rehabilitation
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma and psychological distress
- Lost income (for the adult victim)
- Future medical care for child victims
If negligence, recklessness, or intoxication contributed to the crash, punitive damages may also apply — intended to punish the driver for egregious misconduct and deter future offenses.
Under Florida’s civil statute of limitations (§95.11), victims of injury generally have two years to file a claim, but wrongful death or catastrophic injury cases often require immediate legal action to preserve evidence and witness statements.
When a driver flees the scene of a serious crash, victims are often left in physical pain and financial uncertainty — unsure how to obtain justice or compensation.
A hit-and-run attorney can assist by:
- Coordinating with law enforcement and FHP investigators to obtain the crash report and evidence.
- Identifying all potential insurance coverage, including the driver’s liability policy and the victims’ uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage.
- Working with accident reconstruction specialists to establish fault.
- Pursuing both civil lawsuits and insurance claims to ensure full recovery.
In cases involving minors, attorneys also work with pediatric trauma experts to document the long-term effects of injuries on growth, mobility, and emotional well-being.
Contact a Florida Hit-and-Run Injury Attorney
If you or a loved one were injured in a hit-and-run crash — especially one involving children — the attorneys at Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm are ready to help.
You pay nothing unless we win your case, and we handle every part of the process — from investigation to settlement negotiations and, if necessary, trial.
At Flanagan & Bodenheimer, we believe every driver who flees the scene of an injury crash should be held accountable — and every victim deserves justice.
📞 Call 305-638-4143 or contact us online for a free consultation in English or Spanish.
