![[07-21-26] DUI Driver Flees After Crashing Into Tow Truck Responding to I-4 Crash in Tampa](https://www.727injury.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/07-21-26-DUI-Driver-Flees-After-Crashing-Into-Tow-Truck-Responding-to-I-4-Crash-in-Tampa.jpg)
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Troopers arrested two impaired drivers after two crashes and a pursuit early Saturday morning.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, troopers responded to the initial three-vehicle crash on I-4 in Tampa at 3 a.m.
While speaking with one of the involved drivers, identified as Julian Arriaga Mendoza, 22, a trooper noticed he had bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, a lack of fine motor skills, and his breath smelled of an alcoholic beverage.
Arrest papers said Mendoza told troopers that he had consumed a couple of beers and that he did not see the other vehicles when he collided with them. He completed Standardized Sobriety Exercises but reportedly refused to complete a breath test.
Mendoza was arrested for driving under the influence with property damage or personal injury and refusal to submit testing.
All but one lane of westbound I-4 was closed to traffic as crews worked to clear the scene.
As troopers continued to investigate, a black Mercedes SUV began slowly driving by at 3:42 a.m. Arrest papers said everyone inside the vehicle was yelling expletives at the crash victims.
The occupants continued to yell until the driver of the SUV crashed directly into the back of a tow truck that was attempting to move vehicles from the roadway.
After the collision, multiple troopers told the driver, identified as Demario Carlos Morales, 40, to pull over. Morales instead drove away from the scene.
Troopers followed and initiated a pursuit, which ultimately ended at Pierce Street and East Henderson Avenue.
Arrest papers said Morales had bloodshot eyes, was acting “irregular,” and had the smell of alcoholic beverages emanating from his breath.
Morales told troopers that he only had two drinks and that he “did not understand what happened.” He also refused to perform sobriety exercises and complete a breath test.
Morales was arrested for driving under the influence, DUI with property damage or personal injury, refusal to submit testing, and leaving the scene of a crash with property damage.
Source : WFLA
(Credit : NBC News)
