TAMPA, Fla. – Florida Highway Patrol troopers are searching for a male driver who fled a traffic stop and crashed his car in Tampa on Monday afternoon.
According to state troopers, the incident began around 3:00 am on Monday, May 18, 2026, when a Kia Forte ran through a red light at the intersection of Fowler Avenue and McKinley Drive. Troopers initiated a traffic stop and pulled the vehicle over. However, before the troopers could approach the Kia, the driver accelerated and fled westbound on Fowler Avenue.
The pursuit ended shortly after at North 15th Street. Investigators reported that the driver attempted a turn but lost control and struck the curb on the west shoulder, disabling the vehicle.
Immediately following the crash, the young male driver jumped out of the car and fled the scene on foot. Law enforcement searched the area but was unable to apprehend him.
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The Florida Highway Patrol is actively investigating the incident and asking for assistance from the public. Anyone with information regarding the identity or whereabouts of the suspect is urged to call the FHP at *FHP (*347) or contact Crime Stoppers at TIPS.
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