A teacher at Winter Park High School in Florida has been arrested following accusations that he struck a student with his vehicle and then fled the scene. The incident, involving 15-year-old Landon Cates, reportedly occurred on 11 December 2025, and has since raised serious concerns over road safety in the area.
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Benjamin Fottler, aged 49, was taken into custody on 10 March 2026, more than three months after the alleged incident. He faces a felony charge of hit-and-run. After his arrest, Fottler was released on bail set at $20,000, according to local court records.
The incident took place while Cates was riding his scooter near the intersection of Casselton Drive and State Road 436. Reports indicate that the collision caused the teenager significant injuries, including a fractured vertebra. At the time of the accident, Cates was unaware of the severity of his condition. “I thought I was fine. That was the adrenaline talking,” he recounted. “After it went away, I did not feel good. It hurt and it sucked badly.”
Witnesses to the incident have described the chaotic scene. A bystander who saw the collision rushed to assist Cates, informing him that the driver had quickly sped away, leaving the scene. “The dude that hit you just sped off like pedal to the metal,” Cates recalled she said.
Fottler reportedly contacted law enforcement shortly after the collision, insisting he thought he had struck a traffic sign rather than a person. In audio obtained by WFTV, he stated that after the accident, he proceeded to drop off his child at daycare. “I hit, I thought, a sign in the median that damaged my rearview passenger mirror,” Fottler explained during the call. His narrative has raised eyebrows regarding the details surrounding the incident, particularly his inaction to report the situation as a hit-and-run.
Following the incident, Orange County Public Schools confirmed that Fottler remains employed at the school and is not on leave while investigations continue. The district has not provided any further comment regarding the circumstances of the case.
In the aftermath of the collision, Cates and his family have been navigating a challenging recovery journey. His mother initiated a GoFundMe campaign to assist with mounting medical expenses, which include numerous doctor’s appointments and discussions about potential surgery. “Many of our days have been filled with doctor’s visits and consultations,” she wrote, highlighting the gravity of her son’s injuries.
As Cates recovers, he has taken to social media to raise awareness about road safety and the importance of vigilance when driving. He cautioned others to remain alert for reckless drivers, acknowledging that accidents resulting from negligence are all too common. “Keep your eyes out for reckless drivers for sure,” he warned. “There are so many accidents, drunk driving, negligence, so much.”
The case has garnered significant local media coverage, prompting discussions about the responsibilities of drivers, particularly those in positions of authority such as teachers. Community members are expressing concern over the implications of such reckless behaviour.
As the investigation unfolds, both Cates and Fottler face an uncertain future. For Cates, the path to recovery is likely to be long and arduous, while Fottler must confront the legal ramifications of his actions and their impact on his career and reputation. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers present on the roads, and the critical need for drivers to remain vigilant and responsible.