VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – A woman was unjustly detained for nearly two weeks, accused of involvement in a fatal hit-and-run incident that she was not connected to, prompting scrutiny of the Florida Highway Patrol’s initial investigative procedures.
On the evening of October 4, around 10 p.m., a tragic chain-reaction collision on Interstate 4 near DeBary resulted in the deaths of three individuals and left another driver critically injured. At the scene, a witness informed troopers that a black Dodge Durango had triggered the accident. Utilizing license plate readers, authorities tracked down a black Durango in Flagler County, leading to the arrest of Lindsey Isaacs.
Following a request from the state attorney for a fresh examination, a specialized team conducted additional interviews. New witnesses described seeing a maroon Dodge Durango at the scene. Investigators also reviewed a 911 call made on the night of the crash, which included a partial transcript noting: “…A maroon Dodge Durango caused this crash driving like a ‘mad person’ with the first three of the license plate ’458.’” This renewed investigation shifted focus to Alisa Montalvo, whose vehicle showed evidence of recent repairs shortly after the incident, according to authorities.
Although News 6 sought access to the 911 call, the Florida Highway Patrol declined to release it; however, a partial transcript was obtained. Prosecutors had already decided against pursuing charges against Isaacs.
News 6 reached out to the Florida Highway Patrol via email, seeking an interview and inquiring about any potential internal investigations. They also questioned whether troopers are trained to review 911 calls during crash investigations. At the time of publishing, no response had been received from FHP.
Orlando Rolon, a former Orlando Police Chief and law enforcement expert, offered insights into the errors made during the investigation.
“All evidence needs to be taken into account. What we have to keep in mind, though, here is it happened at night, multiple vehicles involved, three fatalities, a lot of information, incomplete information that was coming in and that’s how complicated these investigations can be,” Rolon said.
Rolon also acknowledged the case presents a chance for the agency to reflect.
“When something like this happens it does allow for an opportunity to then review the process,” Rolon said.
Montalvo is currently being held in the Volusia County Jail without bond.
