A 21-year-old illegal immigrant was arrested in a fatal Central Florida hit-and-run crash that killed a 19-year-old woman.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office arrested the man who fled the scene of a recent fatal crash in Riverview, near Tampa. HCSO’s Communications Center received a 911 call reporting a traffic crash near Providence Road and Bloomingdale Avenue. When deputies arrived, they found a 19-year-old female driver deceased at the scene.
The driver of the second vehicle involved had fled the area on foot before law enforcement arrived.
Preliminary investigative findings and witness statements indicate the female victim was driving on Providence Road when she was struck by another vehicle on Bloomingdale Avenue that ran a red light while traveling at a high rate of speed.
During their investigation, detectives were able to identify the driver who fled as 21-year-old Roberto Carlos Meza Rosales. When detectives found him within hours of the crash, he admitted to fleeing the scene. Meza Rosales showed signs of impairment and alcohol is believed to have been a contributing factor in the incident.
Meza Rosales is a Honduran national residing in Hillsborough County, who entered the U.S. unlawfully in 2018. HCSO was coordinating with U.S. Customs and Border Protection regarding his immigration status.
Meza Rosales faced the charge of Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving a Death. More charges may be forthcoming.
“This is an absolute tragedy that should have never happened,” said Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister. “On a day that should have been filled with celebration and time spent with loved ones, a family is now grappling with unimaginable loss. My thoughts are with them as they face this painful road ahead.”
This is an active investigation, according to local law enforcement.
