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FHP Arrests Five in Fatal Pasco Hit and Run

FHP Patrol Car | Florida Highway Patrol | Traffic

The five arrests resulted in 11 felony charges stemming from the May 12 hit and run crash that killed New Port Richey resident Christopher J. Ryan.

NEW PORT RICHEY – Florida Highway Patrol troopers have arrested five people in connection with a fatal hit and run that killed Christpher J. Ryan of New Port Richey.

The five arrests accounted for 11 felony charges. Those charges included making death threats to witnesses, the Florida Highway Patrol said.

Austin Patrick Payne, 27, of New Port Richey, was charged with one count each of  leaving the scene of crash involving death, tampering with evidence, providing false information to a law enforcement officer, and tampering with a witness by threat/intimidation.

Patricia Anne Flynn, 24, of New Port Richey, was a passenger in the car that hit Mr. Ryan. Flynn was charged with one count each of being an accessory after the fact, providing false information to law enforcement,  and tampering with physical evidence.

Lisa Payne, 52, of Hudson, was charged with one count of tampering with a witness.

Guido Tritto, 61, of New Port Richey, was charged with one count of tampering with a witness.

Gabrielle Marie Payne, 28, of New Port Richey, was charged with one count each of tampering with evidence and violation of probation.

The crash happened about 9:03 p.m. May 12 on Bruin Drive south of State Road 52. Troopers said Austin Payne was driving a 1992 Buick north on Bruin. Austin Payne failed to see Mr. Ryan who was walking along Bruin and hit him. After the crash, troopers said, Austin Payne left the scene and drove to his home on Echo Loop where he and the Buick were found.

On the night of the hit and run, troopers said, they were able to positively identify the vehicle and driver by using witness statements and surveillance video.

During the investigation, death threats were made to witnesses in this investigation which resulted in the additional arrests. Troopers said they were able to confirm that multiple suspects took part in trying to remove blood, tissue and other evidence from the car before law enforcement arrived.

Gabrielle Marie Payne | Florida Highway Patrol | Arrests
Gabrielle Marie Payne
Patricia Anne Flynn | Florida Highway Patrol | Arrests
Patricia Anne Flynn
Lisa Payne | Florida Highway Patrol | Arrests
Lisa Payne
Guido Tritto | Florida Highway Patrol | Arrests
Guido Tritto
Austin Patrick Payne | Florida Highway Patrol | Arrests
Austin Patrick Payne

Florida Highway Patrol | Christopher J. Ryan | Crime | Hit and Run | Hit and Run Crash | Arrests | Tampabay News

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