GPD searching for driver in hit-and-run that seriously injured UF student

Press release from Gainesville Police Department

On Thursday, March 17, 2022, Gainesville Police Department (GPD) officers responded to two separate and unconnected traffic crashes.

The first crash occurred at approximately 5:20 p.m. at the 2300 block of West University Avenue when a silver GMC pick-up truck driven by Daniel Lowell Screws, Jr (DOB: 04/18/1983) traveling eastbound, made an abrupt turn northbound onto NW 23rd Street into the path of a scooter traveling westbound. The scooter collided with the truck in the intersection, where the scooter driver sustained serious injuries. After a GPD officer arrived to the scene to render aid, Screws fled the scene.

The victim was trauma-alerted to UF Health Shands and is currently in stable condition.
If anyone has information about the location of the truck driver, Screws, please contact 911 immediately.

The second crash occurred at approximately 6:30 p.m. at the 3600 block of SW 34th Street when a vehicle driven by James R. O’Reilly (DOB: 08/04/2002) left the roadway and struck a pedestrian on the sidewalk.

O’Reilly fled the scene of the crash, continuing southbound without stopping. Good Samaritans provided CPR to the victim until EMS arrived, however the victim sustained traumatic injuries and after being trauma-alerted to UF Health Shands was later pronounced deceased.

O’Reilly’s vehicle was spotted shortly after the crash, contact was made, and after a subsequent DUI and crash investigation, O’Reilly was charged with DUI Manslaughter, DUI with damage to a person or property, and Leaving the scene of a crash involving a death or personal injury. He was later transported to the Alachua County Jail.

GPD extends its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the victim who died as well as the victim who continues to recover at the hospital.