LAKELAND, Fla. — A Lakeland father has been charged with vehicular homicide for a December 23 crash that resulted in the death of his 5-year-son.
- Austin Cabanas charged with vehicular homicide in death of son
- Cabanas fled a traffic stop, crashed into another vehicle
- Ayden Cabanas, 5, suffered fatal injuries
Polk County detectives said Austin Cabanas, 26, was fleeing an attempted traffic stop by a Lake Alfred police officer and speeding approximately 38 miles over the limit, when he ran a red light and crashed into another vehicle that had the right-of-way.
The crash occurred at US Highway 17/92 and East Pomelo Street around 8:35 p.m.
Cabana's wife was also in the car, along with two children in the back seat who were not properly restrained. Detectives also said Cabanas was driving on a suspended driver's license.
"Cabanas intentionally and willfully ran a red light while exceeding the posted limit by 33 to 38 mph. Cabanas was also aware he had his wife and two young children in the vehicle as he fled and he either knew or should have known his children were not secured in car seats or seat belts. Cabanas' actions were willful and he either knew or should have known that his actions jeopardized the safety of his family and the public," Sheriff Grady Judd said.
As a result of the crash, Cabana's 5-year-old son Ayden Cabanas, suffered fatal injuries.
"Cabanas was reckless and negligent. He is responsible for the death of his 5-year-old son. When law enforcement makes a traffic stop, you pull over. It's that simple. You don't recklessly flee, endangering the lives of others," Judd said.