A man was arrested for a fatal hit-and-run crash in Central Florida.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office arrested 27-year-old Edwin Rapalo-Lorenzo, who fled the scene of a fatal crash in Keysville. Local law enforcement said that an immigration detainer would be placed on Rapalo-Lorenzo.
HCSO responded to reports of a traffic crash on Old Hopewell Road near Henry George Road last month. When deputies arrived, they found two individuals who had been ejected from a motorcycle.
37-year-old Giovany Negron Talavera was pronounced deceased at the scene. The passenger of the motorcycle, an adult female, was airlifted to Tampa General Hospital in critical condition.
At the scene, deputies learned the driver of the second vehicle involved had fled on foot prior to their arrival.
Through the investigation, deputies determined the driver of a Ford Explorer, Edwin Rapalo-Lorenzo, was traveling eastbound on Old Hopewell Road when he crossed into the westbound lane and struck the motorcycle head-on. Deputies immediately began searching for the driver.
Aviation and K9 units responded, and through coordinated efforts, Rapalo-Lorenzo was located and taken into custody. He was transported to Tampa General Hospital for his injuries.
Rapalo-Lorenzo was charged with: Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving a Death, Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Serious Bodily Injury, and No Valid Drivers License.
Through additional evidence, detectives were able to develop probable cause to charge Edwin Rapalo-Lorenzo with Vehicular Homicide (Leave the Scene) and Reckless Driving With Serious Bodily Injury.
“This crash took a life and left another person fighting for theirs, and the driver chose to run instead of take responsibility,” said Hillsborough County Chad Chronister. “Our hearts are with the victims and their family as they face this loss, and we will ensure those responsible are held accountable.”
