Pickup truck crashes into east Orange County business

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Troopers said a hit-and-run driver caused another driver to crash his pickup truck into an east Orange County business late Friday night.

The crash happened at the Empire Tire business on E. Colonial Drive near Constantine Street shortly before midnight.

According to investigators, 39-year-old Robert Mercado was driving his Nissan Frontier pickup truck westbound on E. Colonial Drive when he was side-swiped by a black Dodge Ram. Troopers said the driver of the Dodge Ram was changing lanes in a careless matter.

Mercado told investigators that when he was side-swiped it caused his vehicle to leave the roadway and crash into the tire shop. Both the vehicle and the business sustained heavy damage in the crash.

The Florida Highway Patrol said the driver of the Dodge Ram did not stop after the incident. The vehicle should be missing its right tail light, according to troopers.

Officials said the crash remains under investigation and charges are pending.

WFTV