3-year-old struck by Jeep on Volusia beach; driver faces DUI charge
By Kennedy Mason
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DAYTONA BEACH, Florida (WESH) — A 3-year-old boy is recovering after being struck by a Jeep on a beach Saturday afternoon, according to authorities.
Deputies responded to the incident around 4:14 p.m. near the University Boulevard beach access parking lot. Witnesses said the child was running from the ocean across traffic lanes when he darted in front of a Jeep and was hit at low speed.
The child was transported to Halifax Health Medical Center as a trauma alert due to his age. He was later discharged with injuries that did not require surgery.
The driver, identified as 36-year-old Brock Winkler of Lakeland, remained at the scene during the crash investigation. Authorities determined the collision occurred after the child entered the traffic lane.
However, multiple witnesses reported that Winkler had been drinking prior to the crash. Investigators were provided a photo showing several empty beer cans left near where the vehicle had been parked.
Deputies initiated a DUI investigation and conducted field sobriety exercises. Authorities said they found probable cause to charge Winkler with DUI with serious bodily injury. He also faces an additional charge of refusal to submit to DUI testing after declining a breath test.
Winkler was taken to the Volusia County Branch Jail, where he remained in custody as of Sunday morning.
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