Jacksonville, Fla.
Authorities in Florida say a man accused of killing a teen girl in a hit-and-run crash has been arrested.
According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the crash occurred Tuesday night on Arlington Road North. Patrol officers arrived to find a 13-year-old girl, later identified as Genesis Webber, dead at the scene.
Surveillance footage from the area showed a truck veering off the road, hitting Genesis on the sidewalk, crashing through a chain-link fence, and continuing, authorities said.
Deputies were able to track down the suspected driver, 54-year-old Andre Myers, after the crash, thanks to him already wearing an ankle monitor.
Investigators said Myrers was identified as the driver from the evidence collected at the crash scene. He was out on bond on previous felony charges.
The sheriff’s office said patrol officers found him asleep in his truck when they arrested him on Wednesday.
Authorities said they will work with the state attorney’s office to make sure Myers faces “the full extent of the law” for his actions.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office also offered its condolences to the family who lost their young girl.
“The loss of any life is tragic, but the loss of an innocent young life makes this case much more difficult. We hope this quick arrest brings peace to Genesis’s family and friends while they mourn her loss,” the sheriff’s office said.
Loved ones have started a GoFundMe for Genesis and her family.
“There are no words for the pain I feel right now: my heart is broken, and I am just trying to breathe through each moment,” the organizer shared. “I want to be able to give my daughter the service she deserves.”
Genesis’ family said they will fight for justice and safety, as they don’t want any other family to endure what they have been going through.