Police have arrested a man in connection to a fatal crash that occurred at E Bougainvillea Ave. and McKinley Dr. in Tampa.
Gary Manist is charged with one felony count of Vehicular Homicide.
On January 3rd at about 9:44am, Tampa Police responded to a traffic crash at the intersection of McKinley Dr. and Bougainvillea Ave. involving a Kia Sorento, a Dodge Ram 2500, and a Kia Forte.
According to local law enforcement, roadway evidence and witness accounts revealed that the Sorento was making a left turn from northbound McKinley Dr. onto westbound Bougainvillea Ave. Witnesses reported hearing the Ram 2500, driven by Manist, accelerating as the traffic light was changing.
The Ram 2500 and the Forte were simultaneously traveling south through the intersection. The driver of the Forte took evasive action to avoid striking the Sorento, however the Ram 2500 collided with the Sorento. The Forte left the roadway and struck a light pole, before coming to rest on the southwest corner of the intersection.
Officers arrived and learned that the driver of the Sorento, and adult white female in her mid-30s, had died at the scene due to injuries sustained in the crash.
The driver of the Forte, an adult male, was transported to the hospital with what were non-life-threatening injuries. He has since been released.
Manist and his passenger were also transported to a nearby hospital to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
As speed appeared to be a major factor in the crash, detectives began their investigation. Evidence gathered during the ensuing investigation proved that immediately prior to the crash, the Ram 2500 was traveling at over 100 MPH, more than 55 MPH above the posted speed limit.
Tampa Police, in partnership with the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, arrested Manist at his Central Florida home without incident. He was being held in the Pasco County Jail, charged with Vehicular Homicide.
