A Florida high school teacher has been accused of leaving the scene of a serious crash involving a teenage student.
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Benjamin Fottler, a teacher at Winter Park High School, is accused of striking 15-year-old Landon Cates with his car and then driving away on December 11, 2025.
Cates suffered significant injuries in the incident, including a broken back.
Fottler was arrested months later, on March 10, and charged with felony hit-and-run in the unusual aftermath of the case.
Florida Teacher Arrested Months After Hit-and-Run Involving Student
Authorities say Fottler, 49, hit Cates while the teenager was riding an electric scooter to school.
Reports state the student was crossing near the intersection of Casselton Drive and State Road 436 when he was struck.
Investigators believe the crash happened early in the morning, with Fottler allegedly failing to stop at the scene.
"According to an arrest report, Fottler contacted police later that day, stating he thought he hit a traffic sign while making a left turn," Fox 35 Orlando's Chancelor Winn wrote.
"He reported that his child was in the back seat at the time and that he continued to daycare where he dropped his child off and then went to Winter Park High School."
Orange County Public Schools confirmed that Fottler has not been placed on leave while the investigation continues, noting that the incident occurred off campus and outside of working hours.
Following his arrest, Fottler was released from jail on a $20,000 bond, according to 12 News.
Teen Recovering After Suffering Broken Back
Casselberry Police initially issued criminal citations for leaving the scene of a crash involving injuries.
However, the State Attorney's Office later said that was an error.
Authorities have since stated that an arrest warrant should have been issued immediately due to the seriousness of the injuries, which were classified as great bodily harm.
"Originally, I didn't know my back was broken. I thought I just ate it and was fine. That was the adrenaline talking," Cates said, via Fox 35 Orlando. "Right after it went away, I did not feel good. It hurt and it sucked bad."
Now 16, Cates is continuing his recovery and is waiting to learn whether his back will require surgery.
He has also urged others to remain vigilant on the roads to help prevent similar incidents.
He said, "Keep your eyes out for reckless drivers for sure. There's so many accidents, drunk driving, negligence, so much."
