Arrest Made in Fatal Blountstown Highway Hit-and-Run Case

Blountstown Highway, Leon County, Florida - In a significant turn of events for the local community, 37-year-old Codan Garrison has been arrested in connection with a tragic hit-and-run incident that claimed the life of bicyclist Teresa Stitely. The accident occurred on Blountstown Highway on a Sunday evening last month, leaving residents in shock and raising concerns about road safety.

Law enforcement was alerted following Garrison’s arrest on Friday morning. Officials from the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) had received a crucial anonymous tip that guided them to a local car repair shop. It was there they discovered a vehicle matching the description of the one involved in the crash, showing signs of damage and pink paint transfer consistent with Stitely’s bicycle. This discovery ultimately led investigators to Garrison, who was employed at the repair shop.

The Arrest and Investigation

During questioning, Garrison initially denied being present on Blountstown Highway when the accident occurred. However, he later changed his narrative, admitting that he had indeed been driving east and thought he had hit a deer. His reasoning was chilling—Garrison insisted that because he had previously struck deer, he didn’t deem it necessary to stop. He added that another individual was with him at the time of the collision.

Garrison is set to make his first court appearance on Saturday, and for the community, the implications of this case extend far beyond just one individual. The incident has ignited discussions about road safety and the dangers posed to cyclists and pedestrians in Florida.

Hit-and-Run Statistics in Florida

Florida has a renowned problem with hit-and-run incidents, accounting for nearly 25% of all traffic crashes in the state, as FLHSMV reports. In 2023 alone, there were 104,273 hit-and-run crashes recorded, resulting in 271 fatalities. Vulnerable groups, such as pedestrians and cyclists, are particularly affected; 159 of those fatalities were pedestrians, and 47 were cyclists. Alarmingly, over 81% of these fatalities happened during low-visibility conditions, highlighting the urgent need for increased awareness and accountability on the road.

Moreover, the Aaron Cohen Life Protection Act, which ramped up penalties for those involved in hit-and-runs, went into effect years ago, establishing mandatory minimum sentences for drivers who flee the scene of fatal accidents. If convicted, hitting and killing a person can lead to a minimum of four years in prison and a maximum of 30 years, alongside hefty fines. These laws are aimed squarely at discouraging such reckless behavior and providing justice for victims and their families.

A Call for Action

With new adjustments to hit-and-run laws being introduced in 2025, as covered by McGuire Law Offices, law enforcement is gaining more tools to track down offenders, ensuring that justice is served for those impacted by these reckless actions. Many believe that tougher consequences might finally deter drivers from leaving the scene of an accident. It cannot be stressed enough—the obligation to stop after a crash, whether it involves injury or property damage, is not just a legal mandate; it’s a moral one.

As the community picks up the pieces after this heartbreaking loss, these discussions serve as a timely reminder of the crucial need for vigilance on Florida’s roads, especially for its most vulnerable inhabitants. Perhaps it’s time for all of us to reconsider our responsibilities as drivers and ensure a safer environment for everyone.