TAMPA, Fla. – A day after a tragic hit-and-run crash claimed the life of a pedestrian in Tampa, police have announced an arrest in the case. Jeramey Sanders, 30, was taken into custody on Tuesday and charged with Leaving the Scene of a Crash with Death and Violation of Financial Responsibility Law.
The fatal incident occurred at approximately 8:00 p.m. on Monday, October 20, near the intersection of N. 50th St. and E. 30th Ave.
A woman in her mid-40s was fatally struck by a vehicle traveling southbound on N. 50th St., which immediately fled the scene. A second vehicle subsequently struck the victim, but that driver stopped, called 911, and cooperated fully with investigators.
Rapid Investigation Leads to Identification
Tampa Police detectives launched an immediate investigation, quickly recovering key evidence from the scene, including vehicle parts. Investigators determined the parts belonged to the passenger-side mirror of a 2018–2024 gray Volkswagen Tiguan. Surveillance footage from the area provided further images of a Volkswagen Tiguan with consistent damage.
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“The quick work of detectives and the attentiveness of patrol officers led to a swift arrest in this tragic case,” said Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw. “We hope that this timely resolution provides the victim’s family with a first step toward closure during this incredibly difficult time.”
Alert Officer Spots Suspect Vehicle
The detailed description and evidence led to a rapid resolution. On Tuesday, an alert Tampa Police officer spotted a vehicle matching the description—a gray Volkswagen Tiguan with crash-consistent damage—at an ATM near W. Hillsborough Ave. and N. Armenia Ave.
Officers quickly located the driver, identified as Sanders, at a nearby store and detained him. Police confirmed that the damage to the vehicle and additional evidence collected matched those from the crash scene. A further inquiry also revealed that Sanders’ Florida driver’s license was suspended.
Sanders was transported to Orient Road Jail, and his vehicle was impounded as part of the ongoing investigation.
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