FHP says 'Witness broke our case' in Orange County fatal hit-and-run

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A driver who was arrested in connection with a fatal hit-and-run crash faced a judge Thursday.

A man was killed in the hit-and-run in Orange County late Wednesday, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Troopers arrested Walnert Charles, 46, of Orlando, on charges of leaving the scene of a fatal crash, FHP said.

Troopers said the man was crossing Oakridge Road near Shelburn Court at about 11:55 p.m. when a pickup truck hit him, then the driver drove away.

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A witness, Reginald Bethea, took a picture of the vehicle’s tag while he rendered aid to the victim.

“This witness broke our case open, where we were immediately able to go to the residence, locate the vehicle, locate the driver and make an arrest,” FHP Lt. Kim Montes said.

Troopers went to the address connected with the tag number, where they found the truck, which had front-end damage. FHP said they arrested Charles at the home on Sand Lake Point in Orlando.

“Without this witness that stayed on the scene and provided a tag number, which is so crucial in these hit-and-runs, who knows if we would have ever caught this driver,” Montes said.

Other charges are pending, FHP said.

According to an incident report from the Florida Highway Patrol, a trooper “was able to get voluntary consent for a blood draw since Mr. Charles had indications of drinking.”

The results of the blood test have not been released.

The name of the victim has not been released.

“He did not have any identification on him, and, so, right now, we did try to rapid ID, which is fingerprint scanner. We came up with nothing. So, we're still searching trying to figure out who he is,” Montes said.

Charles remains in jail on $10,000 bail.

Florida Highway Patrol numbers for hit-and-run crashes:

2019 - FHP investigated 72 fatal hit-and-run crashes statewide (so far)

2018 - FHP investigated 107 fatal hit-and-run crashes statewide

2017 - FHP investigated 96 fatal hit-and-run crashes statewide.

Breakdown of fatal hit-and-run crashes investigated by FHP Troop D by county:

2019 2018 2017

Brevard 1 2 0

Lake 1 1 3

Orange 9 13 12

Osceola 6 1 5

Seminole 0 0 2