Larry Rada Jr. Arrested After Crash, Accused of Child Neglect in Florida
LEE COUNTY, Fla. — A man is facing multiple charges of child neglect after a disturbing incident in South Fort Myers, where he allegedly crashed his car with three children inside and attempted to hide them by tossing them over a fence.
According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Larry Rada Jr. crashed his vehicle into a ditch near Linda Loma Drive and San Carlos Boulevard on Saturday afternoon. After the crash, deputies say Rada fled to a nearby stranger’s home and threw the children—believed to be in his care—over a nearly six-foot-tall fence before climbing over it himself.
A neighbor called authorities after seeing the children visibly distressed. Reports say they were crying, one was vomiting, and others complained of head and stomach pain. The children were taken to a hospital, evaluated, and later released. Authorities have not disclosed Rada’s relationship to the minors.
Just minutes before the crash, a Lee County deputy reportedly saw Rada driving recklessly away from Fort Myers Beach. When the officer attempted a traffic stop, Rada is said to have performed a 360-degree turn around the patrol car and sped off. The deputy did not pursue him out of caution for public safety.
Rada has been arrested on three counts of child neglect and cruelty. Investigators say additional charges for fleeing law enforcement and hit-and-run may be added as the case develops.
