The Florida Highway Patrol has arrested Jimmy John Christo, Jr., 52, again in connection with the death of Lowell Police Chief Joe Landers, according to a report from the News Herald in Panama City.
Christo was arrested Monday and charged with leaving the scene of a crash with death. More charges are expected, according to the report.
Landers, 51, who was in Florida attending the Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally in Panama City Beach as a spectator, was injured when a Toyota Camry driven by Christo pulled out in front of Landers’ motorcycle without signaling on April 27.
Landers was ejected from the motorcycle, over the hood of the car and suffered a fractured skull, broken pelvis and broken arm among other injuries. He died Friday at 1:05 a.m. after nearly a week on life support at the Bay Medical Center in the Florida panhandle.
Landers was not wearing a helmet, according to troopers.
Christo fled the scene after the accident, but was later arrested and admitted to drinking an hour before the accident, according to investigators. He was charged with felony possession of marijuana and other offenses, including fleeing the scene of an accident and other traffic violations.
Lowell Police Captain Randy Harvey will take over as interim chief. Lt. Tim Kuth will lead the department while Capt. Harvey is away at training with the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the next few weeks, according to Mayor Eldon Long.