19-year-old kills toddler riding tricycle as parents yell to slow down, Florida cops say

A 19-year-old accused of driving under the influence hit and killed a 2-year-old riding a tricycle, Florida law enforcement said.

Joshua Montero is charged with DUI manslaughter in connection with the Labor Day accident, according to an arrest affidavit from the Tavares Police Department.

Shortly after 7 p.m. on Sept. 2, the mom of the toddler said she heard and saw a vehicle driving at a high rate of speed while she and her husband were sitting in the driveway watching their kids playing in the street, police said.

She said the two of them yelled at the driver of the pickup truck to slow down as he approached a cul-de-sac, then he hit the 2-year-old riding a blue tricycle, police said.

The truck dragged the child and the bike a few feet before coming to a stop, “based on the apparent blood marks” in the street, according to the affidavit.

Neighbors rushed to help and one began performing CPR, but the child died at a hospital, police said.

A witness told investigators the truck’s front tire ran over the child, the affidavit says.

Police said the 19-year-old appeared intoxicated at the scene.

He was taken to jail, where he provided two breath samples of .062 and .057, police said, both of which are above the legal limit of .02 for someone under 21 in Florida.

Investigators said his alcohol level was likely higher at the time of the crash hours earlier.

Tavares police told McClatchy News the department was saddened that a 2-year-old died after a preventable crash.

Tavares is about a 40-mile drive northwest from downtown Orlando.

What to know about impaired driving

In 2020, nearly 12,000 people were killed in car crashes that involved drunk drivers, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

More than 30 people die each day in crashes where a driver is believed to be drunk, the CDC reported.

“Safe driving requires focus, coordination, good judgment, and quick reactions to the environment,” the CDC said. “Any alcohol or other drug use impairs the ability to drive safely.”

A person’s blood alcohol concentration can be measured, and the legal limit for driving in most states is 0.08 grams of alcohol per deciliter. Experts, however, say even lower levels of alcohol concentration can cause impairment.

The CDC says everyone can help prevent drunk driving with these steps:

• Don’t let friends drive while impaired by alcohol or drugs.

• Don’t ride with an impaired driver.

• If you’re hosting a party, remind guests to plan ahead.

• Arrange alternative transportation or have a designated driver.

This story was originally published September 3, 2024 at 2:56 PM with the headline "19-year-old kills toddler riding tricycle as parents yell to slow down, Florida cops say."