A Quiet Afternoon Turns Deadly
Cape Coral, Florida, police have filed charges against two drivers connected to a street racing crash that killed a 75-year-old man earlier this year. The crash happened Jan. 10, when a white Ford Mustang and a blue Honda Accord were caught on camera racing down Del Prado Boulevard, allegedly accelerating hard from Northeast Pine Island Road well above the posted speed limit.
A Fatal Collision at Nearly 100 MPH
William J. Garfall was driving his red Chevy Equinox and attempting to turn into a shopping plaza when the Mustang, allegedly traveling around 99 mph in a 45 mph zone, struck the passenger side of his SUV. The force of the impact sent the Mustang spinning into another vehicle before it came to a stop. Garfall did not survive the crash.
Honda Driver Allegedly Fled the Scene
According to witnesses, the Honda’s driver did not stop to help. Witnesses reportedly saw the car make a U-turn, slow briefly near the wreck, and then leave the area. A bystander followed the Honda long enough for police to identify the vehicle and, eventually, the driver.
Both Cars Were Allegedly Traveling at Extreme Speed
Investigators determined both vehicles were traveling at nearly double the posted speed limit at the time of the crash, consistent with what witnesses described as a street race.
Charges Filed Against Both Drivers
The Mustang’s driver, identified as 18-year-old Milano Paolo Hlavina, and the Honda’s driver, identified as 19-year-old Jeremy Olivo, are now facing vehicular homicide charges. The crash has drawn renewed attention to longstanding complaints from residents about speeding and racing along that stretch of Del Prado Boulevard.
A Community Left Shaken
The case has affected the surrounding neighborhood, where residents have voiced concerns for some time about reckless driving in the area. As with any pending criminal case, both Hlavina and Olivo are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.