From Staff Reports and the Apopka Police Department
The Apopka Police Department arrested Caitlyn Swatkowski on multiple felony charges on Tuesday.
On September 22, 2024, Swatkowski was involved in a single-vehicle crash that claimed the life of her 4-year-old daughter and resulted in serious injuries to another child in the vehicle.
Following a comprehensive investigation, members of the Apopka Police Department obtained arrest warrants for Swatkowski on the following charges:
- Felony 1: Aggravated Manslaughter of a Child
- Felony 2: DUI Manslaughter
- Felony 2: Vehicular Homicide
- Felony 2: Child Neglect with Great Bodily Harm
- Felony 3: DUI Causing Serious Bodily Injury
On Tuesday, Swatkowski was taken into custody while attending an unrelated court hearing in Volusia County. She was subsequently booked into the Volusia County Jail.
A petition on change.org called for Swatkowski's arrest. It received 370 online signatures.
The petition stated:
"The devastating loss of little Oakley Swatkowski has left family and friends shattered. Her life was abruptly and tragically cut short due to an unforgivable act of negligence perpetrated by her mother, Caitlyn Swatkowski, who was under the influence of fentanyl while driving. The City of Apopka Police Department must stand up for justice and ensure Caitlyn is held accountable for the grave crime of vehicle manslaughter. This is not the first time Caitlyn has endangered her children while under the influence. The repetitive cycle of disregard for her children's safety is unfathomable and necessitates stern action. The harm inflicted on Oakley - a life lost in its bloom - is irreversible, but it's incumbent upon us to ensure that her passing can ignite a change in our justice system that impeccably upholds the rights and safety of children. By demanding conviction for Caitlyn, we strive to prevent future horrors inflicted on innocent lives due to parental substance abuse. Please lend your voice to this cause, sign this petition, and demand justice for Oakley Swatkowski."
