New York Man Arrested After Palm Coast Hit-and-Run
Deputies arrested a Woodbridge man for DUI following a hit-and-run crash on Big Horn Drive.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Drug Crime
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Flagler County deputies arrested 59-year-old Dariuz Knapik after he allegedly fled the scene of a crash on Big Horn Drive in Palm Coast. Knapik, a resident of Woodbridge, New York, was taken into custody on Belle Terre Parkway.
Why it matters
The arrest highlights local law enforcement efforts to remove impaired drivers from city streets following traffic incidents. Deputies determined the driver was operating a vehicle under the influence after conducting field sobriety exercises.
Dariuz Knapik was charged with DUI and DUI causing property damage. The suspect has since posted a $2,000 bond following his arrest by Flagler County deputies.
The players
Dariuz Knapik
He is a 59-year-old resident of Woodbridge, New York, who was arrested by deputies.
Flagler County Sheriff's Office
This is the local law enforcement agency responsible for patrolling Palm Coast and investigating traffic crimes.
The details
Deputies initiated a traffic stop on Belle Terre Parkway after matching the suspect's Chevrolet truck to the description provided from the Big Horn Drive scene. Upon stopping the vehicle, authorities observed weaving and confirmed impairment through field sobriety tests and two breath tests.
Timeline
The hit-and-run crash occurred late Friday night, October 9, 2026.
Legal Context
This incident aligns with broader efforts by local authorities to enforce Florida's strict 0.08 blood alcohol concentration limit. Such enforcement reflects a consistent regional strategy to reduce traffic-related property damage through aggressive DUI interdiction.
Residents in Palm Coast should remain alert to traffic conditions on major thoroughfares like Belle Terre Parkway, where law enforcement frequently monitors for impaired driving. The incident serves as a reminder of the heightened police patrols focused on roadway safety after late-night hours.
The takeaway
Drivers are reminded that operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol level over 0.08 is illegal and carries significant criminal penalties in Florida. Ensuring road safety remains a priority for local law enforcement agencies tracking hit-and-run incidents.
Further reading
For more information on enforcement and local trends, visit the Drug Crime section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Tampa Free Press.
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