Volusia deputies arrest suspect in hit & run that left a man dead, pregnant woman seriously injured

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Volusia County deputies say they’ve identified and arrested the man responsible for a hit and run crash that left one man dead and his pregnant partner seriously injured.

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Deputies responded to the crash at the intersection of Howland Blvd. and Forest Edge Dr. in Deltona just before 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 27.

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Volusia Sheriff’s Office traffic detectives determined the victims were traveling westbound on Howland in a green 2004 Ford Focus when they were rear-ended by a 2020 Kia Optima at high speed.

Multiple witnesses who ran towards the crash to help reported seeing the driver of the Optima leave the scene on foot.

One witness, a tow truck driver, even reported that the suspect tried to ask him for a ride, and when he refused, the suspect continued running onto Deltona High School property.

Back at the crash scene, investigators searched the Kia and also found a “large” amount of drug paraphernalia including what appeared to be cocaine, crack cocaine, and marijuana. They also found a loaded handgun in the car that had been reported missing out of Daytona Beach.

The victims in the focus, identified as 43-year-old Kevin Roberson, and 39-year-old Leticia Jones, were each taken to area hospitals with serious injuries.

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According to the sheriff’s office, Roberson died from his injuries several days later on December 1.

Jones, who was six months pregnant with twins, initially reported only minor injuries, but was later found to be suffering from a brain bleed. She and the twins were eventually stabilized and able to be released from the hospital.

The Kia, which had been rented, led investigators to 27-year-old Demarcus James, who they determined had been driving the car at the time of the crash.

A warrant was issued charging James with a long list of offenses including leaving the scene of a crash involving a death and serious injury, armed cocaine trafficking, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

He was found Tuesday in the parking lot of a Dollar General store on Nova Road and taken into custody.

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James’ criminal history includes seven felony convictions. He was also charged with dealing in stolen property and fraudulently pawning items, stemming from two active warrants out of Volusia County.

James is being held in the Volusia County jail on no bond.

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Cox Media Group