Illinois, Florida authorities at odds over hit and run case
According to Florida police, last fall Kenenth Upmann hit a child with his car.
Upmann was arrested last Friday by Sheriff's deputies in Joe Davies County, Illinois. Florida authorities asked that Upmann be held so he could be brought to Floriday to face charges.
Illinois authorities released him from before Florida police could come and get him.
On October 7, 2008, Upmann struck 3 year old Gage Root and dragged him for almost 45 feet.
He survived but is now confined to a wheel chair.
An arrest warrent was issued for Upmann's arrest based on evidence Florida police were able to collect.
That's when the disagreement started.
According to Florida court documents, the warrant for Upmann's arrest was issued on May 7th. Warren, Illinois Police arrested Upmann and brought him to the Jo Daviess County Sheriff's Deparment.
Terry Kurt, Jo Daviess County State's Attorney said that his assistant asked that no bond be set, but the judge set bond. Before Florida authorities could get here, Upmann paid the bond and was released.
According to Kurt, the bond was conditioned on Mr. Upmann turning himself into to Florida authorities.
Florida authorities said is was "too risky" to believe Upmann would turn himself in.
Cape Coral Plice Sergeant David Gleason said, "If I was a judge I wouldn't be willing to gamble on a guy that potentially left the scene of a hit and run accident, left the state of the occurrence and tell him on $1000 'hey go to Florida and turn yourself in or you are going to lose your thousand dollars'...really?"
According to Upmann's brother Kevin, Kenneth is in Florida and plans to turn himself into police.
