Local

Man charged in fatal crash that killed girl, 3, in March

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Channel 9 was there Friday as state troopers arrested a man who was involved in a crash in which a 3-year-old child was killed.

Troopers said John Abbott was so high after the March crash that he was falling asleep and answering his phone when it didn't even ring.

WFTV was there as Abbott was being brought into the Orange County Jail on Friday.

Troopers said he crossed the center line, hit two cars and killed the young girl.

In June, preliminary drug results came back positive, WFTV learned. Now, investigators said final tests confirm Abbott was on oxycodone and xanax at the time of the crash.

“This could have been prevented,” said Sgt. Kim Montes of the Florida Highway Patrol.

But Abbott's lawyer, Michael Grieco, argues that blood test wasn't done properly.

“Are you saying the state lab that did his drug testing is wrong?” reporter Kenneth Craig asked.

“I don’t know, but we haven't had a chance to test it on our own yet,” Grieco replied.

Abbott wouldn't talk to WFTV as he was being led to jail, but authorities said his driving record speaks for itself. Authorities said he has been ticketed at least nine times for speeding and careless driving.

Abbott was also arrested in for reckless driving after authorities said he was caught driving nearly 100 mph.

Abbott still has a license, but a judge could soon change that at his first appearance in court on Saturday.

Abbott is now facing manslaughter and DUI charges and could be sentenced to 15 years behind bars.