By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
PRATTVILLE, Ala. — A food delivery driver has been arrested and charged in connection with the death of a 16-year-old Prattville girl who died after a drowning incident at a residence earlier this week.
According to Prattville Police Chief Mark Thompson, officers responded Wednesday night to a home on Simmons Road after receiving a report of a possible drowning. Upon arrival, first responders found the teenage girl unresponsive in a swimming pool.
The victim was transported by LifeFlight to Children’s Hospital for emergency treatment. Authorities said she later died from her injuries on Friday.
During the investigation, police determined that the teen had consumed a significant amount of alcohol before entering the pool. Investigators allege that the alcohol had been delivered to the girl by 30-year-old Manoj Chitta, who authorities say was working as a food delivery driver while in the United States on a student visa.
Police said Chitta failed to verify the teen’s age before delivering the alcoholic beverages, a requirement under Alabama law. Investigators also discovered that communications between Chitta and the victim allegedly occurred outside of the delivery service’s platform.
Based on the findings of the investigation, authorities charged Chitta with Sale of Alcohol to a Minor and Criminally Negligent Homicide.
Chitta was taken into custody and is currently being held in the Autauga County Jail.
Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. Officials have not released additional information regarding how the alcohol was obtained or whether further charges could be filed.
The case serves as a reminder of the dangers associated with underage drinking and the importance of following laws designed to prevent minors from obtaining alcohol.