Central Florida man arrested in fatal hit-and-run with moped

Thomas Luke Norris booked into Orange County Jail

ORLANDO, Fla. – A 35-year-old Christmas man was arrested Thursday night in connection with a fatal hit-and-run that left a 20-year-old dead, the Florida Highway Patrol said.

Troopers said Thomas Luke Norris was arrested on charges of leaving the scene of a crash involving death. The fatal crash happened April 19 on State Road 50 near State Road 520.

According to the FHP, Norris, who has had a revoked license since 2004, was driving a stolen 2014 Lincoln Navigator when he crashed into the back of a moped driven by Lazaro Adorno-Morales, who was killed in the wreck.

Troopers said Norris left the scene, and the SUV was found burned the next day.

Tips from the public helped identify Norris, who was booked into the Orange County Jail after a friend and witness called him in.

"This played out in such a way that we were able to do this, there are so many other hit-and-runs that we are not able to give families instant justice and that's what we strive for," said Sgt. Kim Montes. "When we get tips and they start rolling in we just have to go with it."

An investigation is ongoing.

Norris is charged with leaving a scene of a crash resulting in death, but troopers say they are looking at adding more charges for burning the Navigator after the crash and stealing it before. 

The news of the arrest coming on the same day the family holds a funeral for Adorno.