TAVARES, FL – Horror struck in Tavares, Florida, when a 19-year-old, alleged to be under the influence of alcohol, hit and killed a 2-year-old boy on a tricycle on Monday night. Authorities quickly apprehended the accused, Joshua Montero, who is facing DUI manslaughter charges.
Montero was allegedly speeding in his truck through the Oak Bend residential area around 7:15 p.m. when the horrifying incident occurred. The victim was playing in the driveway along with his siblings and under parental supervision when the truck collided with him. Montero remained at the scene after the accident.
Police observed signs indicating that Montero was likely inebriated, including red, glassy eyes and the smell of alcohol. They reported that his breath test revealed alcohol levels over the legal limit of an underage drinker.
Montero’s bizarre behavior further confirmed the police’s suspicion of his impaired state. “He’s worried about whether or not he can get his phone from his vehicle, or he could take things from his vehicle versus the fact that they’re doing CPR on a child,” Det. Courtney Sullivan of Tavares Police Department described.
As the community rallies around the grieving family, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Central Florida reiterated that such avoidable tragedies are unfortunately not rare. They have offered their support and assistance to the victim’s family and anyone affected by the accident. Montero is currently in detention without the provision of bond.