Hit and Run Fugitive Leaves Injured Teen at Scene; Earbud Leads to Arrest

Suspect's damaged carPhoto byAuthor screenshot, Facebook

A 15-year-old was hit while riding his bicycle on Northeast Savannah Road near a convenience store on Wednesday night in Martin County, Florida. The car hit him and drove off, leaving the injured boy unassisted on the side of the road.

The reported silver Hyundai Sante Fe SUV hit the teen hard enough that the cyclist's head went through the side glass of the rear passenger window.

In an odd twist of fate, one of the boy's earbuds flew into the SUV, ultimately helping the MCSO locate the suspect.

According to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, one of the victim's earbuds “flew into the driver’s SUV upon impact and lodged under a floor mat inside the vehicle.”

Investigators used geolocation tracking and subsequently found the damaged SUV. The tracking device used for phones is a similar technology. Deputies secured the earbud and noted the damaged SUV tucked - in an attempt to hide the vehicle - behind a residence in Jensen Beach.

As expected, the passenger side of the vehicle had damage and the back window was smashed from the impact of the victim's head.

According to MCSO, the resident Peter Swing was inside the home and was not surprised by the deputies' arrival. The investigators indicated that Swing immediately gave a full confession.

Swing said he left the scene because he “began to panic.” He previously served time in prison on drug charges.

Peter Bradford Swing, 49, of Jensen Beach, was arrested by Martin County Sheriff’s Hit and Run Task Force and charged with leaving the scene of a crash with great bodily injury.

“It’s an unusual way to locate a hit-and-run crash suspect, but it worked.” - Martin County Sheriff’s Office

MCSO Takes hit and run suspect into custodyPhoto byAuthor screenshot, Facebook

The teen cyclist is expected to recover from his injuries.

Florida Hit and Run Laws

If you are involved in a crash, stay at the scene and call for help. Should you leave the scene, the penalties may be:

Hit and Run penaltiesPhoto byauthor screenshot

"Some crashes may involve property damage only, such as a parked car with no one inside, a mailbox, fence, or landscape. If involved in a crash involving property damage, you must stay at the scene and attempt to locate or contact the property owner."

It is recommended that if the property owner cannot be located, the responsible driver leaves contact and insurance information in an identifiable location.

Report any information on a hit and run by calling *FHP. You can also report the accident anonymously through Florida Crime Stoppers at **TIPS.

FLHSMVPhoto byauthor screenshot

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Sources:
The Bone Online
Martin County Sheriff's Office FB
FLHSMV