New Smyrna Beach, FL : Sanford man fled 2 crashes with child in car

A Sanford man was arrested Sunday after New Smyrna Beach Police say he fled the scene of two crashes caused by driving under the influence, all while his daughter was in the car.

Police say Donald Travis, 30, was under the influence of alcohol when he crashed his blue Honda into the back of a brown Honda around the intersection of Third and South Atlantic avenues in New Smyrna Beach.

Travis allegedly fled the scene and continued westbound on Third Avenue, eventually striking the back of a red Toyota while crossing the intersection of Saxon Drive, according to the police report.

He allegedly left the scene of this second accident and continued on Third Avenue before his hood came loose, lifted up and blocked his vision. He lost control of the car and struck a guard rail head on at the intersection of Bouchelle Drive and the South Causeway, according to the police report.

Police said he tried to leave the scene again, but the vehicle was inoperable.

Travis' daughter was in the car with him and told officers that he took her to the beach earlier that day. She said they walked to the Sea Vista Motel and Bar, where Travis began drinking, before getting back into the car.

Officers said that they smelled a strong odor of alcohol coming from Travis when they came into contact with him, and that Travis admitted he had been drinking. They also discovered that he was supposed to be on probation and violated it by leaving his residence.

He was arrested and charged with a DUI, leaving the scene of a crash involving damage, leaving the scene of a crash involving personal injuries and three counts of a DUI crash involving personal and property .

A passenger in the brown Honda, Michelle Protko, was transported to Bert Fish Medical Center. The extent of her injuries was unknown at the time of the report.

Travis is being held in the Volusia County Branch Jail without bond.

Source:
Police: Sanford man fled 2 crashes with child in car