ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. \u2013 A woman is facing a felony charge after Florida Highway Patrol says she struck and killed a man who was trying to help pull her truck from the mud in East Orange County before fleeing the scene.<\/p>\n
According to troopers, 21-year-old Julia Blackwell was arrested Wednesday and booked into the Orange County Jail on a charge of leaving the scene of a crash involving death.<\/p>\n
Investigators say the crash happened shortly after 5 a.m. Saturday in a muddy area southeast of the interchange of State Road 50 and State Road 520.<\/p>\n
Booking photo of Julia Blackwell (WKMG-TV)<\/p>\n
Troopers say Blackwell called 59-year-old Ronald Bear for help after her pickup truck became stuck in the mud. Bear arrived with his truck and attached a tow strap to Blackwell\u2019s vehicle, according to investigators.<\/p>\n
Witnesses told troopers that after Bear successfully freed the truck, he got out of his vehicle to remove the tow strap. That is when investigators say Blackwell accelerated, striking Bear with the truck.<\/p>\n
Troopers say Blackwell then reversed, causing a tire to run over Bear.<\/p>\n
According to investigators, Blackwell got out of the driver\u2019s seat after the crash and climbed into the passenger seat while another man got behind the wheel. Troopers say the pair drove away before the truck became stuck in the mud again farther down the road.<\/p>\n
Investigators say Blackwell and the other man then called someone to pick them up and fled the area.<\/p>\n
Troopers say witnesses at the scene heard the man yell, \u201cYou killed him.\u201d<\/p>\n
FHP says investigators later found Blackwell\u2019s silver pickup truck abandoned in the mud with shattered windows.<\/p>\n
Authorities say Blackwell avoided detectives for several days before she was located Wednesday at her mother\u2019s home.<\/p>\n
Bear\u2019s family described him as a man who was always willing to help others, even people he did not know well. Family members said he loved the outdoors and was devoted to his family.<\/p>\n
The family plans to hold a memorial service for Bear on Friday.<\/p>\n
Relatives also told News 6 they hope additional charges are filed in the case.<\/p>\n
The investigation remains ongoing.<\/p>\n
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