Ft. Lauderdale Man Charged With DUI Manslaughter After Fatal Hit-And-Run Accident On I-4

Alcoholic drink was a catalyst in a fatal wreck last week according to Hillsborough authorities, alleging a collision between a truck and a motorcycle left one dying while the alleged perpetrator fled.

Troopers of the Florida Highway Patrol say a 39-year-old Fort Lauderdale man was driving his 2018 Dodge Ram eastbound on I-4 early Friday morning when a 23-year-old Brandon man attempted to overtake him on his Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

Per troopers, the motorcycle was unable to pass the truck, crashing into its tailgate instead. The collision left the motorcyclist with mortal injuries, as he expired a short time later at Tampa General Hospital.

Meanwhile, the suspect allegedly opted not to remain at the scene, choosing instead to proceed north on I-75. He then reversed course and headed southbound on I-75 for some distance until yielding to troopers near the Fletcher Avenue exit.

The suspect showed signs of intoxication, say troopers. He was arrested on the scene and booked into the Hillsborough County Jail later that morning on charges of driving on a canceled or suspended license, possession of less than 20 grams of cannabis, leaving the scene of a fatal accident, and DUI manslaughter. The suspect declined to submit to a blood-alcohol test and is currently being held without bail.

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.