Florida is picking up the pieces after Hurricane Milton, thanks in large part to the efforts of city workers. Two 49-year-old men were aiding in the cleanup efforts on October 19 in Pinellas County when things took a dramatic turn.
A 68-year-old man driving a white SUV tried to avoid orange construction barriers near Tampa Road and Lake St. George Drive. He drove over the curb and into a grassy area to accomplish this. City workers tried to flag him down to reinforce that the roadway was closed, but the driver did not stop.
The driver, identified as Charles Edward Kunath, actually sped up, according to law enforcement, and would eventually hit the two men introduced earlier. The pair was said to have suffered life-threatening injuries, and are being treated at local hospitals.
The two men were repairing and cleaning up a roadway flooded by the hurricane.
According to reports, Kunath is facing charges of attempted vehicular homicide and aggravated battery involving a deadly weapon. He also left the scene after the incident and was taken into custody at home.
Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath is saddened to hear about this most unfortunate event. Our legal team can be reached at (561) 655-1990 to help South Florida residents understand their recourse in a motor vehicle accident.