Hit-and-Run Suspect Arrested After Collision in Brevard County
Authorities with the Melbourne Police Department had their hands full last Friday while dealing with a hit-and-run driver whose erratic behavior led to several charges, including assault and battery on law enforcement, driving under the influence, and leaving the scene of a crash.
According to initial reports from the responding officers with the Melbourne Police Department, it was approximately 4:20 p.m. on February 17, 2023, when 43-year-old James Archer was driving a pickup truck in the westbound direction of East Strawbridge Avenue. As he approached the street’s upcoming intersection with South Harbor City Boulevard, Archer proceeded to run the red traffic light and crashed into a car that was travelling southbound down South Harbor City Boulevard.
The impact from the first collision caused the pickup to rollover multiple times through the intersection while striking two other vehicles along the way. When the truck finally came to a complete stop, a witness told police that 43-year-old Archer exited his vehicle, walked up to the window of another driver, then allegedly stated that “he couldn’t be there” and tried to hide next to their truck.
Another interviewed witness indicated that Archer fled the scene of the accident on foot, returned to retrieve a hat, then left again while trying to punch other people in the area.
Officials with the Melbourne Police Department were able to track Archer to a nearby field where he was apprehended. He reportedly tried to engage in a fist fight with the arresting officer before being handcuffed and transported to a local hospital for treatment of his minor injuries. Medical personnel were forced to restrain and sedate Archer due to his out-of-control behavior.
The 43-year-old driver is being held without bond and has been charged with driving under the influence, leaving the scene of a crash, assault & battery on law enforcement, failure to obey police, resisting officers, and reckless driving.
Since 1977, Brevard County auto accident attorney James O. Cunningham has represented victims who have suffered serious injuries during hit-and-run collisions, drunk driver accidents, T-bone crashes, head-on collisions, and rear-end car accidents. If you would like to schedule a free 30-minute case evaluation, please submit a contact form on our website or call our office directly at 877-FL-INJURY.
James O. Cunningham
Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.