Two Florida Highway Patrol cars were involved in a crash on I-75 NB in Hillsborough County Wednesday afternoon while chasing a fleeing suspect and a fundraising campaign has been launched to help the troopers’ families.
“Please keep our injured troopers in your prayers as they recover from a serious crash that occurred on July 19, 2023, while attempting to capture a suspected drug trafficker. A Go Fund Me account has been set up to help to assist them and their families,” said Florida Highway Patrol Command Officers Association in a social post.
According to Florida Highway Patrol, at 3:17 PM, FHP Troopers attempted a traffic stop of a 2009 BMW sport utility vehicle for following too closely on Interstate 4 near Thonotosassa Road.
The driver Wildrego Cordova Diaz, 35, of Ruskin, Florida, was also identified as a habitual traffic offender who’s license was suspended.
In the news: Florida Man Arrested After Biting A Deputy At Waffle House
South of Fletcher Avenue, the driver abruptly slowed and entered the grass median in an attempt to U-Turn.
Pursuing Troopers also began to enter the grass median; however, a K-9 unit traveling in a Chevy Tahoe was unable to slow down adequately on the grass surface and collided with the rear of another K-9 unit traveling in a Ford Explorer.
Post-impact, the Tahoe rotated to final rest along the paved shoulder of Interstate 75 while the Ford Explorer overturned into the median.
Both Troopers suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to an area hospital.
Both K-9s suffered minor injuries and were transported to an area veterinarian, where they were treated and released.
The incident impacted traffic on both the north and southbound travel lanes of Interstate 75 until all lanes were cleared at 6:11 PM. Cordova Diaz became disabled in the median and was apprehended by FHP Troopers.
He was later transported to the Hillsborough County Jail, where he was charged with fleeing and eluding, driving while license suspended as a habitual offender, and possession of one kilo of cocaine, which was located within his vehicle.
“During that pursuit, both CIU Troopers sustained serious injuries, one is requiring immediate reconstructive surgery. A long road to recovery is ahead; both of these guys are the sole financial providers in their families, and the financial burden is something they don’t need to worry about. Let’s put our prayers and wallets behind these guys,” said the fundraiser organizer.
To donate, please visit the GoFundMe by visiting the campaign site.
Android Users, Click To Download The Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. Follow Us On Facebook and Twitter. Signup for our free newsletter.
We can’t do this without your help; visit our GiveSendGo page and donate any dollar amount; every penny helps.