Ethan Martin: Florida 13-year-old killed at illegal road race after being hit by motorbike at 100mph, dad charged
MIAMI, FLORIDA: A Florida father has reportedly been arrested for taking his 13-year-old son to an illegal street race, where he was struck and killed by a fast-going motorist. Johnny Martin, 35, was arrested and charged on Wednesday, February 8, with counts of child neglect in connection to the death of his son Ethan Martin, St Petersburg Police Department reported.
The incident took place on January 28, when Johnny took Ethan to an unsanctioned street race that was organized in the area of 28th Street and 110th Avenue. At around 12:35 am, Ethan crossed into the path of a motorcyclist, who was going more than 100 mph. The motorcyclist struck Ethan and seriously injured another bystander. Ethan was rushed to the local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries the following day, NY Post reported.
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The motorcyclist, whose identity was not revealed, was also transported to Bayfront Health St Petersburg with severe injuries. He has been discharged from the hospital. However, the St Petersburg police department has declined to reveal if the motorcyclist will be charged in the crash that led to Ethan’s death. Meanwhile, Johnny is also facing charges for participating in a street race as a spectator.
Some videos of the incident have also been obtained by Tampa Bay Times which shows how the motorist struck Ethan. In one video, Martin is captured screaming and clutching his unresponsive son after the crash. Martin was booked into the Pinellas County jail Wednesday and was released Thursday after posting $10,000 bail. Sgt. Michael Schade with the St. Petersburg Police Department’s traffic unit said Martin was arrested because he took Ethan to an illegal street race, where he was struck and killed.
”While we have a grieving father, we also have a grieving mother (and) grieving grandparents,” he said, according to Tampa Bay Times. ”When we do this type of an arrest of a parent who just lost a child, it’s something that we take very seriously and we make sure that when we do it, there’s a very justified reason for the charge.” However, he has declined to reveal who else will be arrested in Ethan’s death.
An obituary for Ethan described him as an energetic boy, who loved fishing and the outdoors, especially the beach. ”He made an instant impact on everyone who met him and on thousands who never will,” the obituary said. “May everyone remember Ethan for the light he shone on all of our hearts, for now, and for forever.” Reflecting on his death, Ethan’s previous school released a statement stating “he will be greatly missed.” “Ethan was a vibrant, funny, and loyal student, he was well-liked by his peers and teachers. During his time at Winding Waters, he was a student leader," the Winding Waters staff members said in a statement.