A 19-year-old Florida resident is facing charges of DUI manslaughter following a tragic incident in which he allegedly struck and killed a 2-year-old boy riding his tricycle. The incident occurred in a gated community in Florida on Labor Day, as the toddler’s family watched in horror.
According to the affidavit, the teenager, identified as Joshua Montero, reportedly dragged the toddler and his tricycle a short distance before his truck came to a stop. The toddler’s parents, who were standing in their driveway while their children played in the street, reportedly witnessed the speeding truck and began yelling at the driver to slow down.
Montero’s breath sample registered at .062 and .057, exceeding the legal limit for an underage individual. The Tavares Police Department responded to the incident around 7:15 p.m. in the Oak Bend neighborhood, following reports of a child being hit by a truck.
In a statement, the police department expressed their sorrow over the loss of the young boy’s life, describing the incident as “easily preventable.” Upon arrival at the scene, officers detected an alcohol odor from Montero and observed several indicators suggesting he was under the influence.
Initially, Montero refused to participate in sobriety exercises but later complied after an officer warned him of potential arrest. He was subsequently determined to be under the influence of alcohol, a finding later confirmed by a breathalyzer test.
The toddler was rushed to AdventHealth Waterman but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries. The incident took place in a gated community on a dead-end street, where families generally felt safe allowing their children to play under supervision.
Witnesses reported that prior to the accident, Montero’s truck was seen speeding and driving recklessly within the neighborhood. As Montero spoke to officers, they noted an increasing odor of alcohol on his breath. He was reportedly only wearing swim trunks and had bloodshot, glassy eyes. A witness told police they believed the truck’s front tires had completely run over the boy.