5 Charged With Evidence Tampering, Threatening Witnesses

HUDSON, FL – Five people have been arrested and charged with intimidating witnesses and tampering with evidence in a fatal hit-and-run crash on May 12.

On May 12, Christopher Ryan, 29, was walking down Bruin Drive south of State Road 52 in Hudson when he was struck and killed by a car that left the scene.

Based on the testimony of witnesses and surveillance video, the Florida Highway Patrol identified Austin Patrick Payne, 27, of 10931 Echo Loop, New Port Richey, as the driver.

He reportedly drove to his home after the accident where he told family members what occurred.

In an effort to shield Payne from apprehension, troopers say the family members made death threats against the witnesses and attempted to remove blood, tissue and other evidence from the Payne’s 1992 Buick before troopers arrived.

In addition to Payne, who has been charged with leaving the scene of a crash involving a death, tampering with evidence, giving false information to a law enforcement officer and tampering with a witness by threat or intimidation, troopers arrested Patricia Flynn, Lisa Payne, Guido Tritto and Gabrielle Payne for tampering with evidence and threatening witnesses.

Image via FHP