PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Authorities announced an arrest Wednesday in a fatal crash that occurred on October 31, 2022.
Marc Swantic, 42, faces charges related to a collision that killed Victor Santiago, who was riding a motorized scooter in a marked crosswalk on Southeast Crosstown Parkway and Southeast Sandia Drive. The crash occurred around 5:45 a.m.
According to a probable cause affidavit, Swantic was driving a black Mercedes-Benz when he struck Santiago. Data from the vehicle's electronic data recorder indicated Swantic accelerated from 59 mph to 72 mph just before the impact in a 45 mph zone.
Blood toxicology results from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement revealed that Swantic had methadone, alprazolam, diazepam, and nordiazepam in his system at the time of the crash. A certified drug recognition evaluator concluded he was under the influence of a combination of a central nervous system stimulant and a narcotic analgesic, which impaired his ability to drive safely.
During the investigation, police discovered a locked box in Swantic's trunk containing prescription medications, including 13 doses of methadone and other controlled substances. Authorities stated that Swantic “intentionally and willfully” drove recklessly, leading to Santiago's death.
Swantic now faces several charges, including vehicular manslaughter and DUI manslaughter. He is detained pending further legal proceedings.