APOPKA, Fla. – The interim city manager of Belle Isle has been charged in connection with a hit-and-run accident in April.
The Apopka City Council voted unanimously to fire Richard Anderson from his role as a lobbyist, a part-time position that paid $22,000 a month in a city of 45,000 people.
The mayor also said he plans to sue Anderson for twice the amount left on his contract. With about four months left to the terms at $22,000 a month, that would equal around $175,000.
Anderson was asa 40-year employee of the city of Apopka and was the interim city manager of Belle Isle until Tuesday, when he resigned just before turning himself in on hit-and-run charges.
The accident was reported April 5 at State Road 46 and County Road 433 in Lake County.
Anderson was driving a Dodge Ram truck, when he ran head on into Michael Falcon’s Toyota Corolla and drove away, authorities said.
Falcon was airlifted to Orlando Regional Medical Center with serious injuries, the Florida Highway Patrol said.
Falcon laid on the ground after the crash, and Anderson did not offer medical aid, authorities said.
The city of Apopka said Anderson didn't notify them of the accident.
FHP said Anderson hired a limo driver, named John Tryon, to retrieve evidence from his damaged vehicle.
In text messages, Anderson details to Tryon what to take out of the car.
Several witnesses at the scene of the crash described Anderson walking around, talking on his cellphone.
Of the 911 calls retrieved by investigators, a call from Anderson is not listed.
The mayor of Belle Isle told News 6 that the city plans to replace Anderson as soon as next week.