POLK COUNTY, Fla. – A motorist’s attempt to evade responsibility following a traffic collision came to an abrupt end Sunday night when he reportedly fled the scene directly in front of a law enforcement officer.
The incident occurred at approximately 8:38 p.m. near the intersection of U.S. 98 South and East Ethelene Street in Bartow, close to the Ruby Tuesday restaurant. According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO), a minor crash took place involving a 2007 Ford Edge driven by 37-year-old Francisco Marin-Matildes.
While authorities confirmed there were no injuries resulting from the collision, reports indicate that Marin-Matildes did not stop to exchange information. Instead, he allegedly fled the area immediately in his vehicle.
The decision proved futile, as a PCSO deputy happened to be witnessing the events as they unfolded. The deputy immediately initiated a traffic stop on the Ford Edge.
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During the subsequent investigation, the deputy determined that Marin-Matildes did not possess a driver’s license. Further checks revealed that he is a Mexican national currently in the United States illegally.
Marin-Matildes was taken into custody and transported to the Sheriff’s Processing Center. He faces charges of Driving Without a Valid Driver’s License and Leaving the Scene of a Traffic Crash Without Injuries.
Under Florida law, the defendant’s immigration status triggered an enhancement of the charges. Consequently, the counts were elevated from second-degree misdemeanors to first-degree misdemeanors.
Authorities confirmed that an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) hold has been placed on Marin-Matildes.
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