Port Orange, FL - The family of 22-year-old Ryan Friend, who died in a traffic accident on September 25, 2019, is holding what they are calling a protest this coming Sunday. Ryan's Mom, Laurie Friend, said she feels that they have been given the runaround during the traffic homicide investigation.
The Port Orange Police Department said in an email:
Our investigation did not reveal the existence of any elements of reckless driving consistent with the willful and wanton disregard for the safety of persons on the part of the driver of the vehicle. Furthermore, the driver did not exhibit any signs of impairment consistent with operating a vehicle under the influence, nor was there any evidence at the crash scene which contradicted that finding.
Because there was no probable cause that a crime occurred as defined by Florida State Statute, no charges were able to be filed.
The accident report states Ryan was on his motorcycle when he was hit by Manuel Cohen driving a pickup truck at the intersection of South Nova Road and Miles Drive in Port Orange. Friend said there have been 16 accidents at the intersection since 2015. She said she wants something done to make the intersection safer for everyone.
Friend says she feels that the investigation was not as thorough as it could have been and if people check into the facts of the case, they would agree that the investigation was not thorough enough. She also said that she and her family members asked lots of questions but did not receive satisfactory answers.
"Justice for Ryan Friend" is a movement to seek change in the Port Orange Police Department according to Friend.
The protest begins at 3 p.m. on Sunday, January 19. It takes place where the accident happened on South Nova Road and Miles Drive, Between Dunlawton Avenue and Spruce Creek Road.
