A Costly Stroll: Poinciana Hit-and-Run Attempt Ends with Swift Arrest

The incident: A crash, a confrontation, and a quick capture

The chain of events began just before 11:00 PM on Friday, January 9th, in the 600 block of Dromedary Court. According to the Polk County Sheriff's Office, a resident reported that a black Dodge Caravan had struck his unoccupied vehicle, which was parked in a driveway.

Instead of stopping to assess the damage or exchange information, the driver of the minivan reportedly exited the vehicle and began walking away from the scene. The homeowner actively tried to stop the fleeing driver, but was unsuccessful. This immediate action by the victim proved crucial.

The victim provided a detailed description of the suspect to dispatchers. As deputies responded, they located a man matching that description walking near the Family Dollar store on Walnut Street, not far from the crash site. He was identified as 42-year-old Steven Moti of Poinciana. During questioning, Moti allegedly denied driving the van, a vehicle registered in his name, and then refused to speak further.

Upon investigating the crash path, deputies discovered the van had also struck and damaged two mailboxes before hitting the parked car. Moti was subsequently arrested and charged with three felony counts of Leaving the Scene of a Crash with Property Damage (one for each damaged property: the car and the two mailboxes), and was cited for Failure to Provide Information.

Why this matters: The high stakes of a split-second decision

At first glance, this might seem like a minor property damage case. However, the charges tell a different story. In Florida, leaving the scene of an accident involving property damage is a serious offense. It's not a simple traffic ticket; it's a criminal charge that can result in fines, driver's license revocation, and even jail time, especially when multiple counts are involved.

This Poinciana case perfectly illustrates the worst possible sequence of actions after an accident:

• Fleeing the scene: The decision to leave immediately escalates a civil insurance matter into a criminal investigation
• Compounding the problem: By allegedly denying involvement and refusing to cooperate, the driver eliminated any chance for a simpler resolution
• Increasing liability: The additional damage to the mailboxes led to additional felony charges, multiplying the legal consequences

The swift arrest also highlights the effectiveness of a prepared and observant witness. The victim's quick action in confronting the driver (from a safe distance), obtaining a description, and immediately calling law enforcement was instrumental in the case being resolved within minutes.

The broader lesson for all drivers

For our readers, this incident is a powerful reminder of the correct, and legally required, steps to take after any collision, no matter who is at fault or the extent of the damage:

• Stop immediately and secure the scene: Never drive or walk away. Your legal duty is to stop at the scene, or as close to it as safely possible
• Check for injuries and call for help: Assess if anyone is hurt and call 911 if necessary. For any accident involving injury or significant property damage, a police report is essential
• Exchange information and document the scene: Provide your name, address, vehicle registration, and insurance information to the other involved party. If safe to do so, take photographs of the vehicles, damage, license plates, and the overall scene
• Report the accident: In Florida, you are required to report crashes that result in injury, death, or property damage exceeding a certain threshold

The aftermath of an accident can be confusing and stressful, and dealing with insurance claims and property damage is complex. Knowing the law and your responsibilities protects you from severe criminal penalties and helps ensure a fair process for recovering damages.

The attorneys we connect you with understand that accidents are stressful, but making the wrong decision in the moments after can create far greater problems. While this case involves a driver who allegedly chose to flee, victims of hit-and-run accidents also face a difficult path to recovery, often needing legal guidance to navigate insurance claims and seek compensation from at-fault parties.

If you've been involved in an accident, whether as a victim of a fleeing driver or needing clarity on your legal obligations, understanding your rights and the correct procedures is the first step toward resolving the situation.