NewsPalm Beach CountyRegion S Palm Beach CountyDelray Beach

Actions

Man arrested after hit-and-run crash and fatally injuring a pedestrian in a second crash

wptv-James-Avirett.jpg
Posted
and last updated

DELRAY BEACH, Fla. -- A driver was arrested after police say he fled the scene of a hit-and-run crash and crashed into a second vehicle, fatally injuring a pedestrian on Saturday night.

According to police, James Avirett, 37, of Delray Beach sideswiped a Delray Beach police officer's patrol car on Congress Avenue at 8:25 p.m.

The officer was not injured. Avirett fled the scene in his Jeep Grand Cherokee, heading south on Congress Avenue and striking a Fiat on S.W. 29th Street.

The driver of that vehicle was not injured, however the impact of that crash caused Avirett's Jeep to be propelled onto the sidewalk where he hit a woman and then a pole.

The woman, Dara Treechatinant, 41, of Palm Springs, was hospitalized in critical condition. She died as a result of her injuries on Tuesday.

Avirett was arrested on multiple charges including hit-and-run and fleeing and eluding and driving with a suspended license.