In a tragic turn of events, an Auburndale man has been taken into custody following a fatal hit-and-run incident last month, according to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. The incident has left the community in shock and mourning.

Francisco Lapierre, aged 41, faces charges in connection with the death of 21-year-old Melinda Rogers. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest on Tuesday, marking a significant development in the case.

“He’s locked up like he should be, and our goal is to send him to prison,” Sheriff Judd stated emphatically, underscoring the seriousness with which law enforcement is handling the case.

Deputies said the incident happened after a shooting at the Kulture nightclub in Winter Haven. Lapierre was fleeing the scene of the shooting in a Porsche Cayenne when he hit Rogers, who was walking across the street.

According to the sheriff’s office, the suspect hit the brakes before hitting the woman but then backed over her and sped off. Several witnesses were said to have seen the dark-colored Cayenne hit Rogers and leave.

“Did not even stop to help our victim. Melinda was a beautiful young lady,” Judd said.

During their investigation, detectives learned Lapierre had re-registered his vehicle to his nephew in Palm Beach County.

“So we go down to Palm Beach County,” Judd said. “We talked to the nephew. He does not have a clue what’s happening. He’s totally cooperative. So we find Francisco Lapierre, and he confessed. He said, well, I knew I hit something as I was fleeing from the shooting at the club, but he didn’t stop.”

A forensic examination of the SUV showed that it had signs of being in a crash and running over something.

Lapierre has been charged with leaving the scene of a crash involving death.

“We can’t bring Melinda back, but I hope that we can bring some closure or satisfaction for her family, knowing that we found the person that killed that beautiful young lady,” Judd said.