INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — A 53-year-old driver was arrested after he fled the scene of a crash and then struck a tree, deputies said.
Robin Ray Baker
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY INDIAN RIVER COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
The driver – identified as Robin Ray Baker – told the two victims in the other vehicle, “I ain’t going to jail over this,” and drove off, reports show. Baker had to get 13 stitches on his forehead and the bridge of his nose after his red Ford truck hit the tree.
The victims did not have serious injuries, reports show.
Monday, deputies arrested Baker, of the 1200 block of 37th Avenue Southwest, on a charge of leaving the scene of a crash involving injury without rendering aid. Baker was held Wednesday at the Indian River County Jail on $5,000 bond.
Indian River County deputies were called to the hit-and-run wreck that happened at 5:45 p.m. Monday at a CVS parking lot near 43rd Avenue. Deputies spoke to two victims, who were in a Hyundai Santa Fe, and two witnesses.
The victims said they were in the turning lane about to exit when the Ford drove into the lane from 43rd Avenue and crashed into the front of their vehicle, reports show. One of the victims went to check on the Ford driver, later identified as Baker.
Baker drove off from the crash, sped through the parking lot, lost control and struck a tree, reports show. Baker’s brother, who was a passenger, put Baker in the passenger’s seat and then got in the driver’s seat before driving away.
Deputies went to Baker’s residence and saw the Ford had heavy front end damage.
Baker denied being involved in the wreck. Baker said the injuries he had were from his brother hitting him in the face, reports show.
Deputies arrested Baker and took him to the county jail. Baker has an arraignment at 8:45 a.m. April 12, court records show.
