A Florida woman was arrested in connection with a hit-and-run that killed a man who was trying to help her truck.
Incident Details
Julia Blackwell, 21, allegedly struck 59-year-old Ronald Bear with her silver pickup truck on May 16. Bear had responded to a call for help from Blackwell after her truck became stuck in a muddy ditch on the side of a highway.
How the Crash Happened
Bear, with two relatives, had attached a tow strap to another truck to pull Blackwell’s vehicle out of the mud. When Bear went to remove the strap, Blackwell allegedly accelerated, striking Bear and knocking him to the ground. Witnesses said she then backed over him and drove away, getting stuck in mud again.
Witness Accounts and Police Statement
One witness heard Blackwell’s passenger yell, “You killed him,” as she left the scene in another truck with her passenger. Blackwell later told police she believed she was still stuck and only realized Bear was in danger when she heard a “banging sound” and his yelling while reversing.
Response and Custody
Police arrived around 6 a.m., about 30 minutes after Bear had been pronounced dead. Blackwell is being held at the Orange County Jail on $15,000 bond. Her next court date has not been announced.
Family Statement
Bear’s family described him as someone always willing to help others and said they hope additional charges will be filed in connection with his death.
