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Bond set for driver in deadly Cape Coral hit-and-run

Posted at 11:25 PM, Feb 09, 2020
and last updated 2020-02-10 11:27:10-05

UPDATE:

A judge set bond for Clody Enrique Gonzalez Vera at $30,000 and honored the state's request to impose a curfew of 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. She also ordered Gonzalez Vera to check-in with his attorney weekly.

Several loved ones of Gonzalez Vera were in court Monday morning, many of them in tears. However, they did not wish to share any comment.

He's due back in court March 9.

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CAPE CORAL, Fla -- The driver who troopers say left the scene in Sunday's deadly hit-and-run on the Cape Coral bridge is due in court Monday morning.

Troopers made the arrest late Sunday night, following a day-long investigation. Clody Enrique Gonzalez Vera, 20, is now behind bars. He's charged with hit-and-run involving death.

Troopers said Gonzalez Vera hit another young man on a scooter, then left the scene.

The crash claimed the life of 21-year-old Austin Manke, who troopers said died on scene.

Sunday's lengthy investigation ultimately led troopers to the driver's vehicle which they impounded from a Cape Coral home.

As troopers wait for the driver's day in court, they are also reminding everyone of the importance of staying at the scene in the event of a crash.

“We have a young life, 21 years old, that’s no longer here and that's heartbreaking,” said Lt. Greg Bueno with the Florida Highway Patrol.

"This could be any one of our family members. That is why, as a driver, you have to be responsible and you most certainly have to be accountable if you're involved in an accident. You have to remain on scene,” he added.

Gonzalez Vera is due in court at 9:30 a.m.