The Broward Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Unit is investigating a crash in Oakland Park on Saturday that killed a pedestrian.

According to investigators, around 8:20 p.m. on April 12, Broward County Regional Communications received a report of a crash involving a vehicle and a pedestrian in the 4300 block of Northwest 31st Avenue. BSO deputies and Oakland Park Fire Rescue responded to the scene. The preliminary investigation revealed that the driver of a 2018 Mercedes C300 was traveling northbound on Northwest 31st Avenue when a pedestrian, Shannell Smith, was crossing the roadway eastbound in the middle of the block. Smith was not in a designated crosswalk and was struck by the Mercedes. 

The driver, Ethan Dargon, came to an immediate stop and checked on Smith before stopping in an adjacent parking lot and awaited the arrival of law enforcement. Paramedics pronounced Smith deceased on scene. 

Neither excessive speed nor impairment on behalf of the driver are considered contributing factors in the crash. The investigation is ongoing. 

INVESTIGATORS:
Dets. S. Strzalkowski & C. De Jesus, THI
Sgt. R. Hager, THI

THIS REPORT BY:
Carey Codd/Sr. PIO
4/18/2025 1215

Oakland Park, OPFR