TAMPA, Fla. – A 25-year-old man is facing multiple charges, including DUI Manslaughter, following an early morning crash at Busch Boulevard and Armenia Avenue that claimed the life of a man in his early 60s.
The Tampa Police Department announced the arrest of Jefry Maldonado Hernandez in connection with the fatal incident.
The crash, which initially caused significant road closures and power outages, took a tragic turn as investigations revealed the circumstances leading to the collision.
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“We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of an innocent man this morning, and our Victims Advocate will work to aid his grieving family as they navigate this incredible loss,” stated Chief Lee Bercaw. “This was not an accident, but the result of a driver’s criminal actions and reckless decision to operate a vehicle while impaired. DUI is a completely avoidable act that destroys lives. We are committed to standing with this family throughout their profound loss, ensuring a thorough investigation and the pursuit of justice.”
According to investigators, at approximately 3:23 a.m. on Saturday, Maldonado Hernandez was driving a black Dodge Ram pickup truck eastbound on W Busch Boulevard as he approached N Armenia Avenue.
At the same time, the victim, an adult male in his early 60s, was driving a green Lexus RX300. He was stopped facing southbound on N Armenia Avenue at W Busch Boulevard and proceeded into the intersection when his traffic light turned green.
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Witness accounts and evidence gathered at the scene suggest that Maldonado Hernandez allegedly sped up in an attempt to “beat the light” as it changed to yellow. Investigators believe he continued eastbound, running the red light at a high rate of speed, and crashed into the Lexus. The impact caused the Ram to flip onto its side.
The driver of the Lexus suffered traumatic injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital for critical care. Despite medical efforts, he was pronounced deceased at 4:06 a.m.
Officers at the scene saw that Maldonado Hernandez showed obvious signs of impairment. He was arrested and has been charged with Vehicular Homicide, DUI Manslaughter, and Driving Without a Valid Driver’s License (with Death or Serious Bodily Injury). Maldonado Hernandez has been transported to Orient Road Jail.
The roadways at Busch Boulevard and Armenia Avenue, which were closed for several hours to allow for the investigation and powerline repairs, have since been reopened.
ORIGINAL REPORT: Tampa Police Department officers are currently on the scene of a serious motor vehicle crash with injuries at the intersection of Busch Boulevard and Armenia Avenue. The incident has resulted in a power outage in the surrounding area.
The crash has prompted the complete closure of Busch Boulevard and Armenia Avenue in all directions. Authorities anticipate these closures will remain in effect for several hours as investigators process the scene and crews work to clear the area.
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Motorists are strongly advised to avoid the intersection and seek alternate routes.
The collision also led to a power outage affecting a significant number of residents and businesses in the vicinity. Local utility crews have been dispatched, and while some reports indicate power has been restored to many, others may still be affected.
Details regarding the cause of the crash or the number and condition of those injured have not yet been released. The Tampa Police Department has confirmed that this is an active and ongoing investigation.
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