Florida Highway Patrol reports indicate a 19-year-old Port St. Lucie man lost control of a Ford Escape while “showing off” at high speed Saturday, causing the vehicle to leave the road, strike a mailbox, become airborne and overturn into a water-filled canal on Southwest Rucks Dairy Road.
Troopers responded shortly after 1:30 to the single-vehicle crash and found the SUV partially submerged.
The driver, identified as Robert Oyd Lee Vanegas, was arrested and charged with having no valid driver’s license, reckless driving and child neglect causing serious injury. He was booked into the Highlands County Jail.
Three children — a 5-year-old boy, a 2-year-old girl and a 2-year-old boy — suffered minor injuries and were taken to a local hospital.
A 7-year-old boy and a 10-year-old girl, who was seated in the rear hatchback area, sustained serious injuries. The girl was flown to a hospital.
A 20-year-old female passenger received minor injuries and was transported to a hospital.
The crash remains under investigation
