A Florida high school teacher faces felony charges after allegedly striking a 15-year-old student with his vehicle, causing severe injuries including a broken back, and then fleeing the scene without stopping to help. The incident occurred on December 11, 2025, in Casselberry near Winter Park, but the arrest of 49-year-old Benjamin Hendricks Fottler did not come until March 10, 2026—nearly three months later—sparking outrage among the victim’s family and local parents who question why he remained employed at the school in the interim.

Landon Cates, now 16 and a student at Winter Park High School where Fottler taught, was riding his electric scooter to school that morning. He was crossing near the intersection of Casselton Drive and State Road 436 when investigators say Fottler’s vehicle collided with him. The impact knocked Cates to the ground, leaving him lying in the roadway with a fractured vertebra in his back, along with bruises and scratches. Witnesses reported the car accelerating away at high speed—”pedal to the metal,” as one description put it—without stopping to check on the injured teen or call for help.

Cates remained in the middle of the road until emergency responders arrived. He was rushed to a hospital where doctors confirmed the seriousness of his spinal injury. In interviews with local media like FOX 35 Orlando, Cates described the ongoing impact: “I can’t run. I can’t bend or twist or do a lot of things.” He has been forced to wear a back brace and has missed significant school time, unable to participate in normal activities or even pursue a half-school, half-trade program he had planned. “Originally, I didn’t know my back was broken,” he said, explaining how adrenaline masked the pain at first before the full extent became clear.

When questioned by Casselberry Police, Fottler reportedly claimed he thought he had hit a sign in the median while turning onto the highway. He did not look back to verify and continued driving straight to work at Winter Park High School. The teacher allegedly arrived at school as usual and carried on with his day, teaching classes while the injured student lay recovering in the hospital. This delay in reporting or seeking accountability has fueled calls for his immediate dismissal, with parents arguing it shows a lack of remorse and poor judgment unfit for someone in a position of authority over children.

The Casselberry Police Department investigated the hit-and-run, gathering evidence including witness statements, traffic camera footage, and vehicle data. Fottler was eventually arrested on a felony charge of leaving the scene of a crash involving injury. He was booked into jail and released on a $20,000 bond. The Orange County Public Schools district placed him on administrative leave following the arrest, but critics note he continued working for months after the incident before charges were filed.

The case has highlighted broader concerns about accountability in hit-and-run incidents, especially when the driver holds a position of trust like a teacher. Florida law requires drivers to stop at the scene of any crash involving injury, provide aid if possible, and exchange information. Failure to do so can result in serious felony charges, particularly when victims suffer significant harm. In this instance, the delay in arrest—despite the driver’s identity being traceable through vehicle registration and school employment—has raised questions about investigative timelines and potential protections for educators.

Cates’ family has spoken out about the emotional and physical toll. They describe their son as an active teen whose life has been upended by the injuries. A GoFundMe page set up to support his recovery has drawn community donations, with messages expressing sympathy and anger at the alleged negligence. Parents in the Winter Park and Casselberry areas have voiced demands for stricter policies on employee conduct off-campus and faster action when school staff are implicated in serious incidents.

Medical experts note that fractured vertebrae can lead to long-term complications, including chronic pain, limited mobility, and the need for ongoing therapy or even surgery in severe cases. Cates’ recovery will likely involve physical rehabilitation to regain strength and flexibility, though full return to pre-injury activities remains uncertain. His story has resonated beyond Florida, drawing attention to the dangers faced by young scooter riders on busy roads and the importance of responsible driving.

Fottler has not publicly commented on the allegations beyond his initial statement to police. His attorney has indicated he will contest the charges, but details of the defense strategy remain limited. The case is expected to proceed through the courts, with potential additional civil action from the Cates family seeking damages for medical costs, pain and suffering, and lost opportunities.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of failing to stop after a collision. For the Cates family, it represents months of uncertainty and hardship while waiting for justice. Community leaders and school officials have called for reflection on safety education, both for drivers and young road users, to prevent similar tragedies. As the legal process continues, the focus remains on supporting Landon’s healing and ensuring accountability for the events of that December morning.