Van driver arrested after deadly hit-and-run drags bicycle in Englewood

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. —

A 33-year-old Englewood man riding a bicycle was killed in a hit-and-run crash Monday night on San Casa Drive in Charlotte County, and troopers said the driver was later found and arrested.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash happened 8:45 p.m. near 10th Street in Englewood.

Troopers said a 2006 Ford E250 van driven by Christopher Lee Flinn, 55, was traveling south on San Casa Drive when it hit the bicyclist as he was trying to cross the road. Investigators said the bicyclist's direction of travel remains under investigation.

The bicyclist was pronounced dead at the scene.

After the crash, the van left the scene with the bicycle dragging underneath it, troopers said.

Investigators said the van was found a short time later at a home on Michigan Avenue in Englewood. The vehicle was taken as evidence for further forensic testing.

According to the report, the suspect later called 911 after noticing the bicycle lodged underneath his van at his home.

The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office responded and saw the bicycle under the van, according to the report. The driver told deputies he did not remember hitting a person or a bicycle, but admitted he did not stop after the crash to talk to anyone.

FHP said Flinn was arrested on a charge of leaving the scene of a crash involving death and booked into the Charlotte County Jail.

The crash remains under investigation.

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