J.C. Collins, 75, of Lake Wales, died when he was struck by a runaway utility trailer

ALIBI FALLS THROUGH
MAN CHARGED IN HIT-AND-RUN
[CENTRAL FLORIDA Edition]
Orlando Sentinel - Orlando, Fla.
Date:	Feb 17, 1996
Start Page:	3
Section:	OSCEOLA SENTINEL
Text Word Count:	217
Document Text
(Copyright 1996) An Osceola County motorist surrendered to the Florida Highway Patrol this week in connection with a fatal hit-and-run accident last year in Polk County. Gregory Artz, 47, of Ruth Lane, Kissimmee, was charged Monday with vehicular homicide in the killing of a retiree on Nov. 25 and then concocting an elaborate alibi to avoid prosecution, FHP reported Friday. J.C. Collins, 75, of Lake Wales, died when he was struck by a runaway utility trailer as he walked across State Road 542 after stopping at a yard sale, FHP reported. The driver of a pickup towing the trailer fled. FHP Corporal William Nowling said he spent two months investigating Artz, who owned the utility trailer but claimed it was stolen the day of the death. Finally, an employee of Artz's, who owns R&G Mobile Homes of St. Cloud, said Artz was towing the trailer that day and asked him to give him a ride back to the accident scene so he could see what happened, Nowling said. FHP charged Artz with vehicular homicide, leaving the scene of an accident, failing to render aid, driving with a suspended license, filing a false report and several traffic infractions. Artz remained held without bail Friday in Polk County Jail on an unrelated warrant for failure to pay child support in Kentucky. Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction or distribution is prohibited without permission.
Abstract (Document Summary)
FHP Corporal William Nowling said he spent two months investigating [Gregory Artz], who owned the utility trailer but claimed it was stolen the day of the death. Finally, an employee of Artz's, who owns R&G Mobile Homes of St. Cloud, said Artz was towing the trailer that day and asked him to give him a ride back to the accident scene so he could see what happened, Nowling said. Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction or distribution is prohibited without permission.