Driver runs after fatal crash in Columbia County

LAKE CITY, Fla. – The driver of a Dodge pickup truck that ran a stop sign Monday night and struck car, killing the driver, was apprehended after running from the scene, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Erik Mendell, 23, was driving east on County Road 240 at 10:50 p.m. when his car was struck by Charles Yaney's pickup that went through the intersection with Walter Avenue without stopping.

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After being struck, Mendell's Nissan Altama struck a fence and overturned. Mendell was pronounced dead at the scene. A passenger in Mendell's car was taken to Lake City Medical Center with minor injuries.

Troopers said Yancey, 45, of Lake City, ran from the scene. The FHP, along with deputies from the Columbia County Sheriff's Office and K-9 handlers from the Florida Department of Corrections located Yancey on Tuesday morning. He was taken to Lakeshore Hospital to be treated for injuries from the crash, then booked into the Columbia County Jail.

Yancey was charged with leaving the scene of a crash causing a fatality.