A Man Died After A Hit-And-Run, DUI Boating Accident
Almost everyone knows that it’s a bad idea to be driving while under the influence of alcohol. The rules about operating a motor vehicle on Florida’s roadways are equally applicable when on the water as well.
WSVN in Miami reported that Miami Beach authorities have arrested a man in connection to a fatal DUI hit and run crash that happened near Star Island on Tuesday, May 12th.
On Friday, officers with the Miami Police Department arrested 32-year-old Brian Hodges after he had allegedly crashed his vessel into another boat. The initial crash caused 28-year-old Diego Becerra to be ejected from his boat, killing him.
Also, onboard Becerra’s vessel was a female passenger who was also injured in the crash. Officials had not released her identity nor her current condition at the time of the report.
Rather than staying at the scene and offering assistance to the victims and wait for authorities, Hodges fled the scene in his boat. He was later located at the Flamingo Condominium Complex.
In a multi-agency investigation involving the Miami Police Department, Miami Beach Police Department, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, officials were able to locate and place Hodges under arrest.
Hodges has been charged with manslaughter, driving under the influence of alcohol and leaving the scene of an accident involving serious injury or death. Court records indicate that Hodges had additional charges filed against him for similar DUI charges and an accident causing serious injury in a separate incident that happened in 2019.
This latest accident is still currently under investigation.