HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – A serious two-vehicle crash on Waters Avenue early Monday morning left one man hospitalized and another facing DUI charges, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO).
At approximately 2:43 a.m. on December 30, deputies responded to the scene where a Dodge Ram truck had collided with a tree. The driver of the truck was pinned inside the vehicle when deputies arrived.
The collision occurred after another vehicle, driven by 33-year-old Howard Cruz Denis, rear-ended the truck at high speed, pushing it into the tree.
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Emergency responders transported the victim to St. Joseph’s Hospital with serious lower leg injuries. He is reported to be in stable condition and is expected to recover.
Cruz Denis showed signs of impairment at the scene, prompting a DUI investigation. He was subsequently arrested and charged with DUI with Serious Bodily Injury.
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Sheriff Chad Chronister issued a strong statement condemning impaired driving, “This crash is a stark reminder of the dangers of impaired driving. Driving under the influence is a choice that puts lives at risk. We are thankful the victim is expected to recover, and we urge everyone to make responsible decisions to keep our roads safe.”
The HCSO continues to investigate the incident and emphasizes its commitment to cracking down on impaired driving to prevent further tragedies.
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