POLK COUNTY, Fla. – A Sunday evening in Mulberry turned chaotic when a motorcyclist was struck by a fleeing vehicle, leading to an arrest by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. The incident, which occurred around 7:40 p.m. on February 15, 2026, began at the intersection of Church Avenue North and Carter Road West.
Witnesses told deputies that a dark-colored sedan slammed into a motorcycle and immediately sped away from the scene. The impact was significant enough to leave the car’s front bumper behind.
It didn’t take long for law enforcement to catch up; a deputy spotted a black Scion idling at a nearby red light with smoke pouring from its mangled front end. When the deputy initiated a traffic stop, she found 24-year-old Gudiel Miguel-Vasquez behind the wheel.
READ: High-Speed Motorcycle Crash In Clearwater Leaves One Dead, Two Injured
Miguel-Vasquez, who does not hold a valid driver’s license, was traveling with two passengers and several open cans of beer. According to investigators, all three men appeared intoxicated. Through a translator, Miguel-Vasquez reportedly admitted to driving under the influence and fleeing the scene of the collision.
The victim on the motorcycle was taken to a local hospital for treatment of a concussion and a broken arm. An independent witness confirmed the Scion had cut through a Walmart parking lot, blowing through a stop sign and directly into the motorcyclist’s path before leaving the victim on the pavement.
Records indicate that Miguel-Vasquez and his two passengers are in the country illegally from Guatemala.
As a result, Miguel-Vasquez faces enhanced charges, including leaving the scene of a crash involving injury and DUI with property damage.
An ICE detainer has been placed on him at the Polk County Jail. The two passengers were also taken into custody on civil detainers following citations for open container violations.
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