HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a man following a hit-and-run crash that left one person dead and another critically injured on the evening of April 11, 2026.
Deputies were dispatched to Old Hopewell Road near Henry George Road at approximately 7:45 p.m. following reports of a traffic accident. Upon arrival, they found two individuals who had been ejected from a motorcycle.
The operator of the motorcycle, 37-year-old Giovany Negron Talavera, died from his injuries at the scene. An adult female passenger was airlifted to Tampa General Hospital, where she is currently listed in critical condition.
Investigators determined that Edwin Rapalo-Lorenzo, 27, was driving a Ford Explorer eastbound on Old Hopewell Road when his vehicle crossed into the westbound lane, striking the motorcycle head-on.
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According to the Sheriff’s Office, Rapalo-Lorenzo abandoned the vehicle and fled the area on foot before deputies arrived.
A search was launched using K9 units and HCSO Aviation. The coordinated effort successfully located Rapalo-Lorenzo, who was taken into custody and transported to Tampa General Hospital for medical evaluation of his own injuries.
“This crash took a life and left another person fighting for theirs, and the driver chose to run instead of take responsibility,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Our hearts are with the victims and their family as they face this loss, and we will ensure those responsible are held accountable.”
Rapalo-Lorenzo has been charged with leaving the scene of a crash involving a death, leaving the scene of a crash involving serious bodily injury, and driving without a valid license. Officials stated that an immigration detainer will also be placed on the suspect.
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