Alleged Street Racer in Fatal Accident Apprehended Almost Three Months Later

Tampa authorities say the man allegedly responsible for a fatal car accident eluded their grasp for almost three months before they were finally caught up with him.

Per Tampa police, Jeff Desange and Jorey G. Christophe were engaged in illegal street racing in the traffic traveling along 40th Street. Allegedly weaving in and out of traffic, the pair’s competition came to a sudden and fatal ending between 21st Avenue and Lake Avenue when Desange attempted to maneuver his Ford Mustang between two other vehicles.

Police say Desange lost control of the Mustang and struck a 2001 Saturn, but they say he continued on away from the accident. As he approached Lake Avenue, authorities say his Mustang hit Christophe’s BMW, forcing it into a metal pole alongside the street.

The wreck was a serious one, causing the BMW to catch fire. Christophe did not survive the incident, perishing within the flaming vehicle. Another unnamed passenger in the BMW fared better, as he was partially ejected from the car and injured, but not fatally.

Authorities say Desange was nowhere to be found when they arrived upon the scene, and a search ensued. Police ended the search on March 22 when they arrested Desange at his apartment.

Desange was booked into the Hillsborough County Jail later that evening on charges of leaving the scene of a crash with property damage, reckless driving with serious bodily injury, and vehicular homicide. He was released almost a full day later after posting a bond of $25,000.

The Law Offices of Bjorn Brunvand have been representing people charged with capital murder, felony drug charges, drunk driving, government fraud, and white-collar crimes for over a quarter century. Contact our office today to discuss your Tampa Bay-area state or federal charges.