Arrest made in crash that killed 2 in Port Charlotte

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Photo taken from the scene of a deadly crash in Port Charlotte / WINK News Reporter Kristin Sanchez

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. An arrest has been made in a crash that killed two Port Charlotte residents in December 2016.

Michel Brutus, 23, of Port Charlotte, is accused of having been the driver the 2015 Nissan Versa that was the single vehicle involved and fleeing the scene after the wreck took place, the Florida Highway Patrol said. He’s also accused of lying to investigators about it.

The crash near the intersection of U.S. Route 41 and Harbor Boulevard killed Port Charlotte residents Wesley Chery, 21, and Brittany Beni, 21, the Florida Highway Patrol said.

The car hit a drainage ditch on the east shoulder of U.S. Route 41, went airborne, hit a roadway sign and a tree, and landed in an animal clinic parking lot on 3300 Tamiami Trail, the FHP said.

A preliminary investigation showed the two victims were the only people involved in the crash, the FHP said. But a 911 call from the night of the crash led investigators to believe there is a third person.

Brutus was taken to Charlotte County Jail, where he faces the following charges, the FHP said:

  • Leaving the Scene of a Crash involving Death (Felony – 2 Counts)
  • Leaving the Scene with Property Damage
  • False information to law enforcement during an investigation

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