Woman arrested in Orlando hit-and-run crash that killed 13-year-old boy

Omar Figueroa killed in crash; Jennifer Lee Herrington arrested

ORLANDO, Fla. – A 51-year-old Winter Park woman was arrested in a hit-and-run crash in Orange County that killed a 13-year-old boy who had just returned Redbox movies, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Jennifer Lee Herrington was booked into the Orange County Jail early Monday morning after being arrested in the crash, which killed Omar Figueroa, who attended Glenridge Middle School in Orlando.

Troopers said Herrington struck Figueroa, who was walking in a crosswalk at the intersection of North Semoran Boulevard and Old Cheney Highway, around 7:30 p.m. Sunday.  Figueroa was taken to Arnold Palmer Hospital and pronounced dead a short time later.

Jennifer Lee Herrington.

According to witness statements, Herrington ran a red light and hit Figueroa.

Troopers said Herrington then took off and caused another accident at Semoran Boulevard and Baldwin Park Street.

A witness told Local 6 that he followed Herrington after the boy was struck and saw the second accident.  The witness made sure someone stayed with Herrington until troopers arrived.

Herrington was taken to Winter Park Hospital and had blood drawn to see if she may have been impaired at the time of the accident, officials said.

Herrington was arrested on charges of leaving the scene of a deadly crash, and other charges are pending, the FHP said.  She was released from jail after posting $10,000 bond.

Herrington told authorities she hit the teen because of a medical episode--having a diabetic seizure. Deputies said they are investigating the claims of diabetes to determine if vehicular homicide charges are appropriate.

Grief counselors were made available Monday to students and staff at Glenridge Middle School.

"Our hearts go out to the student's family during this very difficult time," the school principal said in a ConnectORANGE message to parents.

Stay with Local 6 and ClickOrlando.com for more on this story.


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