A tragic incident unfolded on a Friday night in Pinellas Park when a motorcyclist was killed and her 9-year-old passenger was seriously injured after a collision with a pickup truck. The Pinellas Park Police Department reported that the accident occurred on the 8200 block of U.S. Highway 19. Tampa Bay Times detailed the event stating that the driver of the Toyota Tacoma, 56-year-old Enerildo Lopez Rojas, made a left turn into the path of the motorcycle, leading to the devastating crash.
The motorcycle, which Consuelo Serralde operated, then slammed into the Tacoma, while both riders were wearing helmets traveling north on Highway 19. According to WFLA News Channel 8, Rojas was showing signs of impairment at the scene and has been charged with DUI manslaughter, DUI serious bodily injury, and resisting an officer. Serralde was confirmed dead after she was taken to the hospital, and her 9-year-old passenger remains in serious but stable condition.
Following the crash, traffic on US 19 northbound at 82nd Avenue was halted, but the area has since reopened. The Pinellas Park Police Department has reinforced the sobering consequences of drunk driving through this incident. WTSP 10 Tampa Bay noted that the 9-year-old girl, who accompanied Serralde on the motorcycle, was seriously injured and remains hospitalized.
In the ongoing investigation and legal proceedings, Rojas stands accused of gross negligence by driving under the influence, culminating in the collision that took a life and endangered a child.
