Page 47 - Florida Sentinel 5-18-18

Accidents
Wrong Way Driver Caught After Chase Charged With DUI
Troopers with the Florida Highway Patrol arrested a driver early Thursday after a high speed chase. He also rammed one patrol car dur- ing an attempted traffic stop.
According to police, shortly after 5 a.m., police began receiving 9-1-1 alerts that a 2011 Nissan Rogue was traveling the wrong way on I-75 near the Hillsbor- ough and Manatee County lines.
Troopers responded to the area as additional re- ports said the driver exited the interstate at Gibsonton Road. A Trooper observed the vehicle at U. S. 41 and Gibsonton Road. When the Trooper attempted to make a traffic stop, the driver of the vehicle rammed the vehicle and fled.
As Troopers pursued him, the driver was traveling southbound in the north- bound lanes. He attempted
to ram other vehicles as the Troopers attempted to stop him.
The driver continued until he reached the intersec- tionofU.S.41and105 Street, SE, at which time Troopers used a traffic ma- neuver to end the pursuit.
Troopers arrested Joseph R. Neumair, 34, of Bradenton, and charged him with fleeing and elud- ing, DUI, DUI property dam- age, reckless driving and aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer.
He was transported to the Hillsborough County Jail.
Police Identify Driver Killed In Accident
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has identified a man killed in a traffic acci- dent Monday. The accident occurred around 5:30 a.m., at Bruce B. Downs Blvd., and University Square Drive.
According to police,
William Costello, 77, of Tampa, was involved in a traffic accident with another vehicle. As deputies arrived to investigate the accident, Costello exited his vehicle and walked in the median to obtain information from the other driver.
He failed to observe a black 2017 Kia Sorrento, driven by Adrianne Ojeda, of Temple Terrace, traveling northbound on Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in the center lane.
Costello was injured and died at the scene. The investigation is continuing.
Vehicle Believed To Have Killed Man On Interstate Found
The Florida Highway Pa- trol has located a white 2003 pickup truck they believe was involved in a fatal acci- dent. The accident took place earlier this month.
According to police, a
passing truck driver ob- served the body of a man lay- ing on the grassy shoulder of the interstate and notified authorities.
When Troopers arrived at the scene, they discovered the body of 22-year-old McKenzie J. Messick, of Plant City. He died at the scene. The accident took place in Polk County, west of U. S. 98.
Messick had been struck by a passing vehicle as he walked along the road- way. Police said the hit and run vehicle will have front end damage. Investigators found parts of the front headlight and turn signal at the scene of the accident. They also discovered white paint chips.
A Crime Stoppers tip led investigators to a Chevrolet truck parked at 6339 Red Hawk Lane. Investigators are still attempting to obtain information about the driver of the vehicle.
The accident took place on May 3rd, shortly after 9 a.m.
Anyone with information about the accident or the ve- hicle is asked to contact the Florida Highway Patrol by calling *FHP, (813) 558- 1800, or Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay at 1-800-873- TIPS.
Wrong Way Driver Dies In Collision With Semi
The Plant City Police De- partment is investigating an accident that left a man dead. The names of the driv- ers were not released.
According to police, shortly before midnight Tuesday, a blue 2002 Volk- swagen Passat was traveling the wrong way on N. Alexan- der Street. The driver of the Passat struck a tractor trailer head on. The driver died at the scene.
There were no passen- gers in either vehicle. The in- vestigation into the accident is continuing. Police said no charges will be filed against the tractor trailer driver.
FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2018 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY PAGE 13-A