Hit and Run on Seabreeze, Charges Pending. Police Waiting on Blood Test.

By Jeff Stolowitz
Update: Daytona Beach 5:23am

Behind Daytona has learned this morning that a blood alcohol test was done on Christopher Whealen as part of the ongoing investigation.
Mr. Whealen is the principal suspect in the Hit and Run accident in Daytona Beach that killed 24 year old Justin Gary.
The police are waiting for results and charges are pending.
There have been a number of these over the past few weeks in our area.
The “Gary” Family is hosting a Memorial Walk in their sons honor after his funeral this Friday evening.

The walk begins at 7:30 pm at The Daytona Taproom and is open to the public.
Details can be found be visiting the following link.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1972870109603751/?ti=cl





By Staff Writer

5:45 pm Daytona Beach

Our sources confirm that a graduate of Mainland High School, Christopher Alan Whealen, DOB 7/31/89 has been named as the principle suspect in Saturday morning's hit and run on Seabreeze Blvd. that took the life of 24 year old Justin Gary.


It is reported that the driver of the vehicle, Christopher Whealen, was an employee at the Seabreeze Taphouse. It has not been confirmed whether he had been working or not prior to the incident.
Witnesses reported he was heavily intoxicated.
We have reached out to the owners of the Seabreeze Tap House for a statement.
They have not yet responded.

As more emerges about this tragedy the story is looking much worse.
Code enforcement issues and violence due to over-served patrons is a plague. The cost to our community and its families is tremendous.

Officially, Daytona’s PIO Lyda Longa has confirmed that Mr. Whealen has been questioned but is not yet in custody.

Justin Gary's employer, Richard Kitt of the Daytona Taproom Group of Restaurants, is planning a memorial service and has been collecting donations for the family. The date for the service has not been determined.

Anyone who would like to help Justin's family can send donations to the Tomoka Christian Church in Ormond Beach, where his funeral will be held later this week.

Anyone with information about the incident may text "CRIMES" (274637), or log on to dbpd.us and follow the link to Anonymous Web Tips.
Police said that, when using a cellphone, all messages should begin with "DBTIPS." Tipsters will remain anonymous​.

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