A hit-and-run crash near Walt Disney World over the weekend left a one-month-old infant injured, according to Florida Highway Patrol, with a suspect taken into custody the following day.
According to FOX 35 Orlando, the incident occurred Saturday on the entrance ramp to EPCOT Center Drive from Interstate 4, a heavily used access point connecting highway traffic to the theme park and surrounding resort areas.
Authorities said the crash involved a Mercedes and another vehicle carrying the infant, who was seated in the back at the time of the collision.
Florida Highway Patrol did not release details regarding the child’s injuries but confirmed the infant was transported to a hospital by ambulance.
Arrest Following Hit-and-Run Investigation
According to investigators, the victim reported that someone inside the Mercedes threw a plastic cup filled with liquid at their vehicle prior to the crash.
Troopers located the suspect vehicle at approximately 3:30 p.m. Sunday near Bear Lake Road and McNeil Road, outside the immediate Walt Disney World area.
The passenger in the vehicle, identified as Marquail Travonte Jennings, matched the description provided by the victim. Authorities said the car also showed damage consistent with the reported collision.
Jennings initially told troopers that the other driver had left the scene and claimed the plastic cup had been thrown at him.
After being informed that dashboard camera footage captured the incident, Jennings acknowledged that the crash had not been reported.
He was arrested on charges including felony hit-and-run with injury, battery, and assault. Investigators did not indicate whether additional charges could be filed.
Florida Highway Patrol continues to handle the investigation. Disney has not issued a public statement regarding the incident.
Context of Roadway and Resort Incidents
Walt Disney World Resort spans approximately 25,000 acres and includes roughly 175 miles of roadways, which are used daily by guests, cast members, delivery vehicles, and emergency responders.
While most traffic incidents on Disney property are minor, serious crashes and hit-and-runs have occurred in the past.
In 2023, a guest described a collision near Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, alleging his vehicle was rear-ended by another car involving a Disney cast member. The guest claimed the cast member lacked a valid driver’s license and insurance and fled the scene.
In 2022, guests also reported a hit-and-run inside the EPCOT parking lot that caused significant damage to a parked vehicle. The driver involved was not identified, based on public accounts.
The latest crash comes amid several other unrelated incidents reported at Disney-affiliated locations in recent days.
Late last week, authorities confirmed they were investigating a death at Disney Springs as a suspected suicide.
On December 31, a cast member was injured during a performance of Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios after a 400-pound rubber boulder broke free from its track and moved toward the audience.
The former stunt performer received stitches after placing himself between the prop and guests. Disney confirmed plans to adjust that portion of the show.
Separately, a Disneyland guest in California required stitches after being attacked by another guest during a confrontation over line jumping at Indiana Jones Adventure.
No additional information has been released regarding the infant injured in Saturday’s crash.
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