Boca Teen Charged With DUI Manslaughter After Fatal Dixie Highway Crash

ALLEGEDLY UNDER INFLUENCE OF MARIJUANA WHEN STRIKES, KILLS PERSON ON MOTOR SCOOTER. $100,000 BOND.

BY: ANDREW COLTON | Editor and Publisher | BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2026 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — Jacob Etan Leighton, 17, of Boca Raton, has been charged with DUI manslaughter following a fatal June 26, 2025 crash on North Dixie Highway. BocaNewsNow.com has made the editorial choice — at this time — to withhold Leighton’s mugshot. He was 16 at the time of the incident. We may publish the booking photo as the case proceeds.

We have also made the editorial choice to only publish the police report as filed by Boca Raton PD. We have not edited the narrative or intentionally changed anything in the report. Any information redacted on the police report is listed as “REDACTED” in our transcript. Jacob Leighton was booked into the Palm Beach County jail last evening and released two hours later as part of what appears to be a pre-negotiated surrender with a $100,000 bond. This is not unusual. It is also not unusual for a traffic homicide investigation to take more than a year in Florida. Here is the police report:

>> On June 26th, 2025, at approximately 1:36 P.M., Boca Raton Police Services Department Communications Section received a report of a motor vehicle crash near the intersection of N Dixie Highway and NE 21st St, Boca Raton, Palm Beach County, FL., 33431. Boca Raton Police Services Department Officers and Boca Raton Fire Rescue personnel responded to the scene and arrived at approximately 1:39 P.M. Upon arrival, they discovered one subject, (REDACTED), lying on the ground in the inside (left) through lane of northbound North Dixie Highway with fatal injuries. I responded to the scene with my emergency lights and sirens activated and arrived at approximately 1:40 P.M.

Upon arrival, I immediately observed two damaged vehicles and the deceased subject, (REDACTED), in the roadway. The vehicles were a black Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV (V-1) and a blue and white Yiben YB200T motor scooter (V-2). V-1 was bearing Florida License Plate DL11BF and Vehicle Identification Number 1C4RJYB62R8516413. V-2 was bearing Florida License Plate SCFG53 and Vehicle Identification Number LYDY7TDK0S1500056. V-1 was facing west in the inside (left) through lane of North Dixie Highway and V-2 was partially lodged underneath the driver side of V-1. The deceased subject, (REDACTED), was lying on the ground just outside of V-1’s driver door and in a manner consistent with being the operator of V-2. Based on the positioning of the vehicles, roadway evidence consisting of skids and scrapes, and debris in the roadway, I was able to determine that V-1 was traveling westbound across North Dixie Highway and V-2 was traveling northbound on North Dixie Highway when the collision occurred. I was also able to determine that the actions of V-1 had been the primary causation of the collision.

At approximately 1:41 P.M., Boca Raton Fire Rescue Personnel pronounced (REDACTED) deceased. Boca Raton Fire Rescue personnel informed me that the circumstances that led them to this decision included, but were not limited to, the significant mechanism of injury, (REDACTED) not wearing a helmet, (REDACTED) not breathing, (REDACTED) not having a pulse, (REDACTED) not having electrical activity consistent with life, and brain matter on the ground.

At approximately the same time, Boca Raton Fire Rescue Firefighter B. Fredrich noticed that the Jeep Grand Cherokee was still powered on. As a safety measure, Firefighter Fredrich opened the front passenger door of the vehicle and reached across the vehicle to power it off. Upon closing the vehicle, Firefighter Fredrich walked over to me and informed me that the inside of the vehicle had a strong odor of marijuana. Due to the vehicle doors being closed by this time, I was unable to confirm the odor’s presence; therefore, this information is derived from Firefighter Fredrich’s statement of her observation.

Boca Raton Police Services Department Officer A. Ricciardi also informed me that two witnesses, identified as Kendra Saunders (DOB 01/28/1988) and Nicole Saunders (DOB 12/11/1990), were traveling behind the motor scooter on N Dixie Highway when they observed the crash take place. Officer Felix collected a sworn statement from Kendra Saunders and Nicole Saunders. In their statement, Kendra Saunders and Nicole Saunders advised that V-2 was traveling straight ahead, northbound on North Dixie Highway, when V-1 pulled out of the shopping plaza and was struck by V-2. Kendra Saunders and Nicole Saunders identified Jacob E. Leighton (D-1), who was still on scene, as the driver of the Jeep (V-1). Their statement was captured on Officer Felix’s Body Worn Camera and uploaded to Evidence.com.

Boca Raton Police Services Department Officers L. Golden and A. Ricciardi met and spoke with Jacob E. Leighton (D-1) who was in front of Electric Smoke Vapor located at 2150 North Dixie Highway. Officer L. Golden later informed me that while speaking with Jacob E. Leighton (D-1), she observed that his speech was slurred, and he was shielding his eyes from her view by rubbing them, avoiding eye contact and putting sunglasses on. Officer L. Golden also said that Jacob E. Leighton (D-1) was seated in a chair and his legs had visible tremors. Officer L. Golden additionally stated that Jacob E. Leighton (D-1) would periodically be overcome with emotion and cry hysterically. Lastly, Officer L. Golden advised that Jacob E. Leighton (D-1) stated to her that his friend’s bong was inside of V-1 and that his life was now over, and his father would be very upset with him.

Based on the totality of the circumstances, there was reasonable suspicion to believe that, at the time of the collision, Jacob E. Leighton (D-1) was operating a vehicle within the State of Florida while impaired by chemical or controlled substances and that, by reason of such operation, Jacob E. Leighton (D-1) caused or contributed to the death of (REDACTED). For this reason, Officer L. Golden began the application process for a search warrant for Jacob E. Leighton’s (D-1) blood.

At approximately 1:54 P.M., Boca Raton Police Services Department Crime Scene Technician N. Phelan arrived on scene and began documenting and photographing the scene. Boca Raton Police Services Department Crime Scene Supervisor V. Laing arrived at approximately 2:00 P.M. and assisted Crime Scene Technician N. Phelan.

At approximately 2:01 P.M., Boca Raton Police Services Department Community Service Officer P. Friedman arrived on scene to assist with the Florida Traffic Crash Report. At approximately 2:19 P.M., CSO Friedman conducted an interview with Jacob E. Leighton (D-1) while I stood by. The interview was conducted in front of Electric Smoke Vapor located at 2150 North Dixie Highway. Jacob E. Leighton (D-1) informed CSO Friedman that his vehicle was initially stopped facing eastbound in one of the parking spaces at this location. Jacob E. Leighton (D-1) said he then backed out of the parking space, in a northbound direction, so he could make a left turn onto North Dixie Highway. Jacob E. Leighton (D-1) advised that he then stopped in the driveway, checked left and right, and saw it was clear. Jacob E. Leighton (D-1) then reported that, as he was making his left turn, he saw V-2 and the collision occurred. CSO P. Friedman completed HSMV Crash Report Number 26598805.

At approximately 2:24 P.M., Jacob E. Leighton (D-1) and his father, Stephen J. Leighton, were informed that CSO P. Friedman’s Crash Investigation was over and that I would be moving on to a Criminal Investigation. I then, in the presence of his father, informed Jacob E. Leighton (D-1) of his Constitutional Warnings (Miranda) from a department issued Juvenile Miranda card. As we went along, I asked Jacob E. Leighton (D-1) to repeat each bullet point back to me in his own words and it appeared that he understood. Jacob E. Leighton (D-1) then advised that he understood these rights and did not wish to speak to me.

At approximately 2:30 P.M., I received and reviewed a surveillance video provided by James Moore (DOB 07/14/2003), an employee of Electric Smoke Vapor located at 2150 North Dixie Highway, via an Axon Community Request. The video showed that V-1 was parked nose-in, facing eastbound, in the third parking spot from south to north. V-1 then backed up, westbound, while turning southbound to face north, parallel with North Dixie Highway. V1 then, in one motion, began driving forward while turning left to travel westbound and exit the parking lot as well as traverse the northbound lanes of North Dixie Highway while ultimately attempting to turn left again and travel southbound on North Dixie Highway. The driver side of V-1 was then impacted by the front of V-2 which was traveling northbound on North Dixie Highway. The video also showed that V-1 did not stop or apply its brakes while exiting the shopping plaza and attempting to traverse North Dixie Highway. Lastly, the video showed a white male subject with the same build, same haircut, same clothes, and same sneakers as Jacob E. Leighton (D-1) exit V-1 from the driver door. The video was saved to Evidence.com.

At approximately 2:34 P.M. I received and reviewed a dash camera video provided by Benjamin Bieber (DOB 09/17/1991), a motorist that was driving behind V-2, via an Axon Community Request. The video showed that V-2 was traveling straight ahead, northbound on North Dixie Highway, when V-1 emerged from the shopping plaza causing the front of V-2 to strike the driver side of V-1. The video also showed a white male subject with the same build, same haircut, same clothes, and same sneakers as Jacob E. Leighton (D-1) exit V-1 from the driver door. The video was saved to Evidence.com.

At approximately 2:39 P.M. I received and reviewed a surveillance video provided by Frantz Dieujuste (DOB 07/28/1974), an employee of the business located at 2158 North Dixie Highway, via an Axon Community Request. The video showed that V-1 was parked nose-in, facing eastbound, in the third parking spot from south to north. V-1 then backed up, westbound, while turning southbound to face north, parallel with North Dixie Highway. V1 then, in one motion, began driving forward while turning left to travel westbound and exit the parking lot as well as traverse the northbound lanes of North Dixie Highway while ultimately attempting to turn left again and travel southbound on North Dixie Highway. The driver side of V-1 was then impacted by the front of V-2 which was traveling northbound on North Dixie Highway. The video also showed that V-1 did not stop or apply its brakes while exiting the shopping plaza and attempting to traverse North Dixie Highway. Lastly, the video showed a white male subject with the same build, same haircut, same clothes, and same sneakers as Jacob E. Leighton (D-1) exit V-1 from the driver door. The video was saved to Evidence.com.

All three videos were consistent with the evidence on scene and with the statements provided by Kendra Saunders and Nicole Saunders.

At approximately 2:40 P.M., Palm Beach County Medical Examiner’s Office Investigator D. Rangel was notified of the traffic fatality. Investigator D. Rangel responded to the scene and arrived at approximately 3:16 P.M.

Investigator D. Rangel conducted a preliminary investigation of (REDACTED) injuries and informed me that (REDACTED) appeared to have suffered a skull fracture and broken jaw. During this time, I was able to see that (REDACTED) had a semi-circular mark on the side of his head that had the same radius as where the tire mounts to the rim on V-1’s front driver side wheel. The injuries and the mark were consistent with (REDACTED) head striking the front driver’s side wheel of V-1. Investigator D. Rangel also informed me that (REDACTED) had a circular defect in his chest, but we were unable to immediately determine with certainty what caused it. During his preliminary investigation, Investigator D. Rangel removed a black drawstring backpack from (REDACTED) back. Inside of the backpack was a wallet containing (REDACTED) Arizona Identification Card. (REDACTED) was positively identified via the photograph on the Identification Card.

At approximately 4:22 P.M., (REDACTED) body was removed from the scene by Removal Transport Services of Broward.

At approximately 4:44 P.M., Guardian Towing was requested to the scene for the purpose of removing the vehicles from the roadway.

At approximately 5:02 P.M., V-1’s passenger compartment and trunk were sealed with evidence tape.

At approximately 5:22 P.M., I was informed that Officer L. Golden had obtained a search warrant for Jacob E. Leighton’s (D-1) blood from Judge Scott Kerner, 15th Judicial Circuit Court in and for Palm Beach County, Florida.

At approximately 5:24 P.M., Boca Raton Fire Rescue was requested for the purpose of drawing Jacob E. Leighton’s (D-1) blood.

At approximately 5:36 P.M., Boca Raton Fire Rescue Firefighter A. Olson used a Boca Raton Police Services Department issued blood kit to collect a blood sample from Jacob E. Leighton’s (D-1) left arm. Prior to the blood draw, I ensured that the blood kit was not expired and contained two grey top tubes. I also ensured that each tube contained the white powdery anticoagulant substance. Immediately following the blood draw, Boca Raton Fire Rescue Firefighter A. Olson inverted the tubes several times for the purpose of mixing the blood with the white powdery anticoagulant substance. I then packaged, sealed, and later submitted the blood kit to Boca Raton Police Services Department’s Evidence with a request for testing.

At approximately 5:36 P.M., Guardian Towing removed the vehicles from the roadway and the roadway was reopened.

At approximately 5:56 P.M., I cleared the scene.

On July 1st, 2025, at approximately 3:47 P.M., I obtained a search warrant for V-1 from Judge Dina Keever, 15th Judicial Circuit Court in and for Palm Beach County, Florida.

On July 2nd, 2025, at approximately 8:00 A.M., I responded to Guardian Towing located at 1980 NW 1st Ave, Boca Raton, FL., 33432, to execute the search warrant on V-1 and conduct a vehicle inspection on V-1 and V-2. Boca Raton Police Services Department Crime Scene Technician N. Phelan and Crime Scene Supervisor V. Laing assisted with the execution of the warrant. The vehicle inspections were completed with the assistance of City of Boca Raton Certified Auto Technician Paul Welch.

Throughout the execution of the search warrant, I located the following: Black smelling salts container located in the front center console. Blue drawstring backpack with the name “Jacob” located in the spare tire well within the trunk. Glass dome smoking device located within the blue drawstring backpack. Two bowl pieces located within the blue drawstring backpack. Metal grinder with a cap located within the blue drawstring backpack. Black lighter and three paper straws located within the blue drawstring backpack. Empty packet labeled “Piragua” located within the blue drawstring backpack.

These items were collected and submitted to Boca Raton Police Services Department’s Evidence. Trace amounts of a green leafy substance consistent with the appearance of Marijuana, commonly referred to as “shake”, was also located in the area of the front center cupholders but was not collected due to there only being small traces of it. Photographs of this were, however, captured by Crime Scene Technician N. Phelan.

During my inspection of V-1, I noted the following: V-1’s vehicle identification number was confirmed as 1C4RJYB62R8516413. V-1 was a 2024 black Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV. V-1 had Michelin Primacy 265/60 ZR 18 tires on all four wheels. All four of V-1’s tires were serviceable and had good tread depth. V-1 was equipped with disk brakes in the front and rear. The brake pads were in good condition. A mechanical inspection of V-1 revealed no obvious defects contributing to the causation of the collision.

An inspection of damages to V-1 revealed: The driver side of V-1 had crush damage in the area of the doors and front quarter panel. The areas with the most significant amount of damage were the quarter panel, in the area between the front wheel and the front driver door, as well as the lower part of the front driver door, in the area closer to the rear door. This damage was a direct result of the impact with the front of V-2 and (REDACTED) body. Of the collision damage noted on V-1, all was from the impact with V-2 and (REDACTED) body. There were no signs or evidence of contact with another vehicle other than V-2 noted during my inspection of V-1.

During my inspection of V-2, I noted the following: V-2’s vehicle identification number was confirmed as LYDY7TDK0S1500056. V-2 was a 2025 white and blue Yiben YB200T motor scooter. V-2 had Nylon MC 130/60 ZR 13 in the front and rear. The front tire was serviceable with good tread depth. The rear tire was serviceable with only 1/32″ tread depth in the center. The rear tire also contained wear marks consistent with skidding across a roadway. V-2 was equipped with a single disk brake in the front and rear. The brake pads were in good condition. A mechanical inspection of V-2 revealed no obvious defects contributing to the causation of the collision.

An inspection of damages to V-2 revealed: The front of V-2 was crushed rearward towards the handlebars. This damage was a direct result of the impact with the side of V-1. The left side of V-2 contained scrapes. This damage was a direct result of the left side of V-2 sliding on the roadway just before impacting V-1. Of the collision damage noted on V-2, all was from the impact with V-1. There were no signs or evidence of contact with another vehicle other than V-1 noted during my inspection of V-2. There were no recalls or vehicle defects that would have contributed to the causation of this crash.

On July 11th, 2025, at approximately 2:35 P.M., I received the Cause of Death Report from Investigator D. Rangel. The report indicated the following: Cause of Death: Multiple blunt force injuries. Manner of Death: Accident.

At approximately 3:00 P.M., I received the Toxicology Report for the blood specimens of Jacob E. Leighton (D-1) drawn on June 26, 2025, at 5:36 P.M., the testing documented the following substances found in Jacob E. Leighton’s (D-1) blood: Delta-9-THC at 10 +/- 3 ng/mL (Active ingredient of marijuana); Hydroxy-THC at 4 +/- 1.1 ng/mL; Cannabidiol at less than 1.0 ng/mL; Cannabinol at less than 1.0 ng/mL; Carboxy-THC at 227 +/- 39 ng/mL (Inactive metabolite of marijuana). These findings were consistent with the physical observations of Jacob E. Leighton (D-1) post collision by Officer L. Golden and are evidence of Jacob E. Leighton’s (D-1) level of impairment at the time of the collision. Officer L. Golden and I also agreed that the signs of impairment Jacob E. Leighton (D-1) was exhibiting were consistent with Jacob E. Leighton’s (D-1) driving pattern prior to the collision and the dynamics of the collision (Operator overconfidence, poor judgment and disregard for the safety of others). For additional information please refer to Officer L. Golden’s supplemental report.

On August 19th, 2025, at approximately 12:56 P.M., I received the autopsy and toxicology reports for (REDACTED). The reports indicated the following: I. Multiple blunt force injuries: Motor vehicle collision (Moped/scooter versus SUV). II. Toxicology: Negative for drugs of abuse and ethanol.

Based on the available evidence, interviews, forensic analysis and investigation, the following conclusions were made concerning this collision:

Prior to the collision, V-1 was parked nose-in, facing eastbound, in a parking spot located within the parking lot for the shopping plaza located at 2154 North Dixie Highway. V-1 backed up, westbound, while turning to face northbound. V-1 was then parallel to, and facing in the same direction as, the northbound lanes of North Dixie Highway. V-1 then, in one motion, began driving forward while turning left to travel westbound and exit the parking lot as well as traverse the northbound lanes of North Dixie Highway while ultimately attempting to turn left again and travel southbound on North Dixie Highway. During this time, V-1 never applied its brakes to slow down or stop for the purpose of looking for and yielding to oncoming traffic on North Dixie Highway.

Prior to the collision, V-2 was traveling northbound in the inside (left) lane of northbound North Dixie Highway.

As V-2 approached the driveway to the shopping plaza located at 2154 North Dixie Highway, V-1 began its left turn, violating V-2’s right of way. V-2 applied its rear brake, fell onto its left side, and slid to impact with the driver side of V-1.

Immediately after impact, V-1 stopped in place facing west in the inside (left) through lane of northbound North Dixie Highway.

Immediately after impact, V-2 became lodged underneath the driver side of V-1. D-2 never disengaged from V-2 and also came to final rest just outside of V-1’s driver door.

During daylight hours, and with no visual obstructions, Jacob E. Leighton (D-1) should have been able to perceive that the oncoming vehicle (V-2) was approaching so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard. Additionally, Jacob E. Leighton’s (D-1) failure to ever apply his brakes or slow down as he was entering the roadway is evidence that Jacob E. Leighton (D-1) made no attempt to look for oncoming traffic or yield to V-2. For these reasons, it was determined that the actions of Jacob E. Leighton (D-1) (by violating the right-of-way of V-2) were in violation of F.S.S. 316.125(1) and the cause of the collision which resulted in the death of (REDACTED).

Based on my investigation, there is probable cause to believe that, at the time of the crash, Jacob E. Leighton (D-1) was in violation of the following Florida State Statutes:

Florida State Statute 316.125(1): Vehicle entering highway from private road or driveway or emerging from alley, driveway or building.— The driver of a vehicle about to enter or cross a highway from an alley, building, private road or driveway shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching on the highway to be entered which are so close thereto as to constitute an immediate hazard.

Florida State Statute 316.193(3)(a), (b), (c)(3)(a): Driving Under the Influence – Manslaughter.— Any person: (a) Who is in violation of subsection (1); who is driving or in actual physical control of a vehicle within this state and is under the influence of any substance controlled under chapter 893 when affected to the extent that the person’s normal faculties are impaired; (b) Who operates a vehicle; and (c) Who, by reason of such operation, causes or contributes to causing: 3. The death of any human being or unborn child commits DUI manslaughter, and commits: a. A felony of the second degree. <<