Hernando County, FL – A hit-and-run crash involving multiple vehicles led to a DUI arrest Thursday in the Royal Highlands area.
According to the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded on February 12 to a reported crash at Commercial Way and Hexam Road. While on scene, authorities received additional reports of a red Chevrolet Tahoe allegedly striking multiple vehicles along Sunshine Grove Road and Jacqueline Road.
Witnesses told deputies the driver fled on foot from the Sunshine Grove Road area. The vehicle matched the description from the earlier crash at Commercial Way, officials said.
Members of the Sheriff’s Traffic Unit located and apprehended the suspect several blocks away without incident.
Authorities identified the suspect as Chad Michael Lafleur, 46. Deputies allege he was driving under the influence of narcotics at the time of the crashes.
Lafleur was arrested and charged with DUI with bodily injury, refusal to submit to a blood, breath or urine test, and leaving the scene of a crash with injury. Bond was set at $11,000.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the Commercial Way crash. One injured driver was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
The incident caused temporary roadway disruptions in the busy Commercial Way corridor, an area frequently traveled by local commuters and students.
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