Tampa Woman Accused of DUI After Crash Killed Child, 2 Adults

August 14, 2017

A fiery crash on the Selmon Expressway killed a child and two adults and led to the arrest of a 29-year-old woman for DUI. The woman faces multiple charges for fleeing the scene of a crash. A woman lost control of her car near the Bay to Bay and Euclid exit, resulting in a crash that killed two adults and one child.

Witnesses allege they saw the woman driving at a “high rate of speed” eastbound on the expressway. Reports indicate that the driver attempted to overtake at least two vehicles traveling in the same direction. She lost control of her car and crashed into the back of a Hyundai occupied by three victims. The Hyundai then spun out of control through the grass median and into the westbound lanes, where it was struck by a Jeep and an Infiniti SUV. The vehicle came to a final rest in the westbound lanes and burst into flames, according to police.

The authorities accuse the woman of fleeing the scene. Law enforcement caught up with her shortly after the crash when her car broke down near Willow Avenue and Platt Street.

Reports indicate her speech was slurred, and she admitted to taking Lexapro and Ativan before driving. She allegedly failed a field sobriety test, showing signs of impairment.

Authorities apprehended her and transported her to Tampa General Hospital, where they drew her blood for alcohol testing. According to police, once they administered the blood tests, the woman tried to remove her vials of blood and hide them in her underwear, which led them to charge her with tampering with physical evidence.

The authorities have charged the woman with DUI manslaughter, DUI causing serious injury, and leaving the scene of a fatal crash, among other offenses.

Leaving the scene of an accident is a crime. When added to driving under the influence, charges, and penalties will become escalated. A simple DUI is usually a misdemeanor, but it can become more serious if factors like fleeing the accident scene are involved.

DUI charges are severe, and Florida prosecutes these crimes quite aggressively. What you need to do following a DUI arrest is consult with a criminal defense attorney who can make sure your rights are protected. These charges will not simply go away, so you must act. Our Tampa Bay DUI Defense Lawyers at Whittel & Melton can begin helping you right away. We will immediately investigate the evidence to develop the best defense strategy.

Your future is at stake, and we get that. We will fight aggressively to minimize the potential consequences of your arrest. Call us today at 727-823-0000 or contact us online for a free consultation.

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