DELTONA, Fla. — A teen driver with only a learner's permit was speeding from the law on I-4 until he crashed into a Deltona home along Saxon Boulevard (see map) Tuesday, and there were two others in the car, including a 1-year-old, along with a gun when it crashed.
IMAGES: Teen In Custody, House Smashed
Troopers say 16-year-old Nicklos Mangar is responsible for the damaging crash. The owner of the home said he spent $30,000 fixing it up and said the damage is going set him back.
The 16-year-old who crashed a Toyota into the vacant home only shook his head when asked why he ran from state troopers Tuesday afternoon. He only had a learner's permit when he plowed through a wall of the home Lester Carrelo is converting into a business.
"I walked in here and I was like, 'Oh man,' because I'm trying to turn this into a clinic. I'm actually a doctor," he told WFTV.
Before the crash, troopers say Mangar was spotted on I-4 going 120mph. FHP says he got off of I-4 and onto Saxon Boulevard. When he tried to cut between two cars, he ran off the road and hit the house.
"It's safer just to pull over than to have this happen," Carrelo said.
There were two others in the car with Mangar, 24-year-old Marty Phraphone and 1-year-old Ayden Phraphone. Troopers say a gun was found in the trunk of the car.
"Any kids that's thinking about getting into a vehicle and evading justice with a firearm, know the consequences that you're going to end up in prison," said Hector Cuprill Jr., the homeowner's attorney.
Mangar was arrested and is facing charges of felony fleeing and eluding a police officer, speeding, reckless driving, leaving the scene of a crash and violation of driver's license restrictions. Troopers are still looking into why the gun was in the car and why he decided to run.
The owner of the building said he does have insurance.
WFTV
