A 19-year-old Orlando man was arrested for driving under the influence involving death and leaving the scene of a crash at the intersection of Central Florida Parkway and International Drive early Sunday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Investigators said Christopher Laureda, 19, along with three passengers in a 2004 Ford F-250 were traveling westbound on Central Florida Parkway approaching the intersection of International Drive in the outside lane. The second vehicle involved, 2025 Volkswagen Jetta, approached the same intersection in the inside lane.
Laureda then ran the red light that entered the direct path of the Jetta, striking its left side with the front of the pickup truck and caused the vehicle to overturn onto its left side, officials said.
The driver of the Jetta was transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center and later pronounced deceased, while its passenger was transported to the same facility as a trauma alert with serious injuries.
The passengers in the pickup truck were not transported and remained on the scene post-collision while Laureda fled on foot. Orange County Sheriff’s Office deputies later located and detained Laureda, the press release stated.
FHP reported the case remains an active criminal investigation as additional charges are pending.