Man accused of leaving scene of fatal Hillsborough County wreck

PLANT CITY, FL – The Florida Highway Patrol said a man who fled the scene of a deadly accident in Hillsborough County was placed under arrest.

According to the Tampa Bay Times, 22-year-old Cruz Eligio Ibarra was taken into custody Sunday in connection with the crash on Interstate 4 near Thonotosassa Road in Plant City. State troopers said Ibarra was driving an SUV at about 1:25 a.m. when the vehicle veered into the center median and flipped over.

A passenger in the SUV, a 25-year-old man from Dover, was thrown from the vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene. According to the FHP, Ibarra was spotted by a witness running away from the scene.

Investigators located Ibarra later at a house in Plant City that was listed as his home address. An officer detained him and brought him back to the scene of the crash, and evidence led to his subsequent arrest.

Ibarra was booked into the Hillsborough County Jail on $17,000 bond.

If you have been injured or lost a loved one due to the reckless actions of a hit-and-run driver, the Hillsborough County Car Accident Lawyers at Kemp Law Group will fight for the money and justice you deserve. We will guide you through the legal process and pursue the maximum amount of compensation for your injury-related losses. To find out more and ask case specific questions, schedule a free consultation by calling us today at 727-853-6034.