[05-26-25] 25-Year-Old Charged With DUI After Deadly Crash in Tampa

TAMPA – Tampa police have arrested and charged a man with a DUI after a car crash early Saturday morning that killed a man in his early 60s.

25-year-old Jefry Hernandez was taken into custody after investigators noticed “obvious signs of impairment.”

Witnesses told police that Hernandez sped up to “beat the light,” as it changed from yellow to red.

Hernandez was driving a black Dodge Ram pick-up truck eastbound on W Busch Blvd when his car collided with the victim’s green Lexus RX300 at the intersection with N Armenia Ave.

Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw emphasized that this horrible crash was not an accident.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of an innocent man this morning, and our Victims Advocate will work to aid his grieving family as they navigate this incredible loss,” said Bercaw. “This was not an accident, but the result of a driver’s criminal actions and reckless decision to operate a vehicle while impaired. DUI is a completely avoidable act that destroys lives. We are committed to standing with this family throughout their profound loss, ensuring a thorough investigation and the pursuit of justice.”

The driver of the Lexus was taken to the hospital where he later died.

Charges :

Vehicular homicide

DUI manslaughter

Driving without a valid driver’s license (with death or serious bodily injury)

Hernandez was taken to the Orient Road Jail and the investigation is ongoing.

TPD says the roads that were closed during the investigation have since reopened.

Powerline repairs were also needed in the area, according to police.

Source : Fox 13

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Car accidents remain a major safety concern across the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 39,345 people died in traffic crashes nationwide in 2024. Traffic deaths decreased from 2023, but serious and fatal crashes continue to affect thousands of families each year.

Florida continues to see hundreds of thousands of crashes annually. According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there were 381,210 reportable traffic crashes in Florida in 2024. Those crashes resulted in 3,184 deaths.

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If you or someone you love has been injured in a crash, a St. Petersburg car accident lawyer can investigate what happened and help determine which parties and insurance policies may be responsible.

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