MINNEOLA – A Lake County deputy was placed on administrative leave after a vehicle pursuit turned deadly after crossing the Orange County line.
There is no word yet on who the deputy is, but sheriff’s spokesman Lt. John Herrell said the action taken is standard in cases involving a fatality, and that the deputy will be on leave until an investigation into the accident is completed.
The head-on collision caused the death of the Nissan’s driver, 19-year-old Carlos Sanchez Santiago, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to the incident report when officials reached the Ford, it smelled like marijuana inside. A handgun was also found in the center console.
Darius was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center for his injuries and charged in Orange County with operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license, felony homicide and negligent manslaughter. In Lake County he was charged with aggravated assault, driving with a suspended license and fleeing.
