A Lakeland man is facing serious charges after a tragic incident on Daytona Beach where his vehicle struck a young child. According to reports from the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, the unfortunate event unfolded on Saturday afternoon when the 3-year-old boy darted across traffic lanes near the University Boulevard parking area.
Witnesses recounted that the child was running from the ocean towards the road when he was hit by a Jeep driven by 36-year-old Brock Winkler. The vehicle was reportedly moving at a low speed at the time of the accident.
The young boy was quickly transported to the hospital under a trauma alert. Fortunately, he was later released, having sustained injuries that did not necessitate surgical intervention.
Authorities state that Winkler remained on the scene and fully cooperated with law enforcement officers conducting the investigation. Witnesses at the scene reported that Winkler had been consuming alcohol prior to the incident, which has led to him being charged with DUI.
Officials say the driver, 36-year-old Brock Winkler, remained at the scene of the crash and cooperated with the investigation.
Multiple witnesses reportedly told VCSO that Winkler was drinking before the crash.
A photo was provided showing several empty beer cans left behind where Winkler was allegedly parked.
Investigators then conducted field sobriety exercises, but note that Winkler refused to submit to a breath test.
Winkler is charged with DUI with serious bodily injury and refusal to submit to DUI testing.
He was taken to the Volusia County Branch Jail.
