A driver attempting to flee the scene of a crash made it 8 blocks before being stopped for running a red light and being quickly connected to the crash.

On March 25, 2018 at approximately 4:15 p.m. an officer was responding to the scene of a traffic crash located at the 200 block of Del Prado Boulevard North. While this officer was en route, a different officer stopped a red Hyundai SUV for running the red light at the 800 block of Hancock Bridge Parkway East. While on the traffic stop, the officer was approached by a witness who had been following the Hyundai and who stated he had dash cam video of the crash. 

The officers identified the driver of the red Hyundai as Michael Newton (DOB: 6-22-86). Further investigation showed that Newton had been involved in the crash on Del Prado Boulevard and had fled the scene without providing any information. His driver’s license was also suspended and had been since 2011.

Newton was arrested and charged with hit and run with property damage and knowingly driving on a suspended license. He also received citations for these two charges as well as for the red light violation. Newton was transported to the Lee County Jail.

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