MARTIN COUNTY, Fla, (CBS12) — Overnight on Thursday, Martin County sheriff’s deputies found the driver accused of crashing into a Hobe Sound water treatment plant, then running from the scene.
Officials say the crash happened around 9 p.m. on Wednesday.
A witness told deputies they heard a loud bang, then found a man sitting near the damaged area. The witness said the man kept repeating, “I messed up,” before running away.
Water service in Martin County has been disrupted after a man crashed his vehicle into the Hobe Sound-Osprey water treatment plant and later said, “I messed up,” before fleeing the scene. According to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, the crash occurred around 9 p.m. A witness reported hearing a loud crash and later saw a man sitting outside the damaged area. (MCSO)
Deputies later identified him as Eliuvar Garza, 24, of Stuart. They say a family member took him to the hospital with crash-related injuries.
A crash damaged water lines, leaving hundreds waking up to low or no water Thursday morning. South Martin Regional Utility (SMRU) says service was disrupted from Bridge Road north to Sea Branch.
See also: CBS12 I-Team: Are Florida beachgoers getting enough rip current warnings?
Crews are working to restore service. They’re asking anyone with questions to contact SMRU.
Garza is facing several charges, including leaving the scene of a crash with property damage and driving with a suspended license.
Overnight, Martin County sheriff’s deputies found the driver accused of crashing into a Hobe Sound water treatment plant, then running from the scene. Deputies later identified him as Eliuvar Garza, 24, of Stuart. They say a family member took him to the hospital with crash-related injuries. (MCSO)
He’s scheduled to make his first court appearance later Thursday morning.