Edgewater drunk driver arrested for crash resulting in pedestrian's death

Port Orange Police determined Joseph Hess was driving under the influence at the time of the crash.

By Alyssa Warner
| 3:40 p.m. June 12, 2019

Ormond Beach Observer
News

A 39-year-old Edgewater man was arrested for killing a pedestrian after he crashed into them in his 2005 Hyundai in the 5300 block of Ridgewood Avenue on June 1.

Port Orange Police reported that Joseph Hess completed a series of field sobriety tests after the 1 a.m. crash and police noted he had bloodshot and watery eyes, as well as droopy eyelids. During the testing he could not maintain balance, according to the report. As Hess spoke during the investigation, the reporting officer

could smell the odor of alcoholic beverages on his breath from approximately 3 to 4 feet away.

Based on the testing and investigation, Hess was placed under arrested for driving under the influence, DUI with property damage, and DUI manslaughter. Hess was also issued a citation for careless driving.

Hess was transported to jail with a $10,000 bond.