Jeep Wrangler struck man near West Seminole Drive before driver fled
April 12, 2026 | Venice, FL
A 59-year-old man, Joseph Younts, faces serious charges following a hit-and-run incident in South Venice that resulted in the death of a 28-year-old pedestrian.
Joseph Younts, 59, was charged after a pedestrian crash on U.S. 41 near West Seminole Drive in South Venice.
What Happened in the Crash?
The collision occurred shortly before 2 a.m. on April 12 along U.S. 41 at West Seminole Drive. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a 2021 white Jeep Wrangler struck the pedestrian, and the driver fled the scene, leaving the victim in the roadway.
- Location: U.S. 41 at West Seminole Drive, South Venice
- Time: Shortly before 2 a.m., April 12
- Vehicle Involved: 2021 white Jeep Wrangler
- Victim: 28-year-old male pedestrian, transported to a hospital where he later succumbed to injuries
- Driver: Joseph Younts, 59, who reportedly left a bar in Sarasota with passenger Kelly Black, 55, earlier that evening
After the crash, Younts allegedly tried to hide the Jeep and repair damage to cover up evidence, with Black assisting in concealing or altering it.
Who Was Arrested and What Charges Were Filed?
Authorities arrested Younts on charges of leaving the scene of a crash involving death and tampering with evidence. Black faces charges as an accessory after the fact.
The Florida Highway Patrol's investigation remains ongoing.
Why Do Hit-and-Run Crashes Occur So Frequently?
Hit-and-run incidents represent a significant issue on U.S. roadways. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 2,000 hit-and-run crashes resulting in fatalities occur annually, with drivers often fleeing to evade accountability.
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Annual Hit-and-Run Fatalities (U.S.) |
Over 2,000 |
NHTSA |
Hit-and-Run Crashes per Minute |
More than 1 |
AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety |
Pedestrian Deaths in Hit-and-Runs (2022) |
682 |
Governors Highway Safety Association |
These figures underscore the urgency of thorough investigations to hold responsible parties accountable.
Legal Insights
In cases such as this involving hit-and-run crashes, national legal analysts emphasize the need for prompt, independent investigations to safeguard victims' rights.
“Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a hit-and-run accident case and prove negligence,” said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal. “Road conditions, visibility, and lighting are all possible contributing factors considered and examined.”
- Independent investigations can uncover negligence despite drivers' attempts to flee.
- Factors like poor visibility or road conditions often play a role in these tragedies.
- Families deserve justice through comprehensive legal support.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. “We understand just what families must go through, and having their rights protected is vital. A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.”
Pending the investigation, the victim's family may pursue a wrongful death claim for damages including loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
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If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).