Man Arrested In Connection With Fatal 2025 Hit-And-Run Crash

September 4, 2026

A Milton man has been arrested in connection with a fatal hit-and-run pedestrian crash that occurred late last year in Santa Rosa County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Jarod Christian Phelps, 36, was taken into custody following a lengthy investigation by the FHP Traffic Homicide Unit.

Authorities said the incident occurred on November 20, 2025, between 4 and 6 a.m. Old Bagdad Highway near Rice Road. Investigators determined that a red 2016 Ford Explorer struck a female pedestrian and fled the area.

The pedestrian was later found deceased from injuries suffered in the collision.

Troopers eventually tracked down the red Ford Explorer at a home located at 4513 Elm Tree Drive and identified Phelps as the driver.

After securing a warrant through the Santa Rosa County Circuit Court, an FHP trooper assigned to the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force located Phelps leaving his workplace in Milton and placed him under arrest.

Phelps has been charged with leaving the scene of a crash involving death. He was transported and booked into the Santa Rosa County Jail where he remains without bond

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under FRONT TOP