A Saturday evening burst of high-speed driving on westbound I-4 ended with a 22-year-old Apopka man in handcuffs and a Plant City motorcyclist facing life-altering injuries, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Troopers say the wreck unfolded around 7:20 p.m. near the 16.5-mile marker when two fast-moving vehicles blew past a marked patrol car and one clipped a motorcycle, launching the rider into the air.
The motorcycle, ridden by a 52-year-old Plant City man, was traveling in front of the trooper when a silver Toyota Camry reportedly whipped around it and cut sharply in front of the patrol car. A Kia Seltos behind the Camry tried the same risky maneuver, investigators say, but did not clear traffic and struck the motorcycle while running alongside the trooper’s cruiser. The driver of the Kia stopped on the shoulder and was arrested at the scene, while the Camry kept going and has not been found.
As reported by Tampa Free Press, troopers say the Camry was clocked at nearly 100 mph before it cut across in front of the patrol car and sped away. First responders rushed the motorcyclist to a nearby hospital, and the Highway Patrol says his injuries are considered life-altering.
The Kia driver was identified as 22-year-old Preston Taylor Nascimento of Apopka. He was taken into custody on the shoulder of I-4 and charged with Reckless Driving Involving Serious Bodily Injury, the patrol told Tampa Free Press. Investigators say they are still working to identify the Camry and its driver and have put out a call for tips from anyone who saw the high-speed pass or captured it on video. The agency is asking anyone with information to dial *FHP (*347).
Legal implications
Under Florida law, reckless driving that causes serious bodily injury can be charged as a third-degree felony, which carries a potential sentence of up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000, according to Florida Statutes. The statute lays out what counts as reckless driving and how penalties increase when someone is badly hurt.
If investigators determine the Camry’s driver left the scene of a crash that caused injuries, hit-and-run provisions can trigger even tougher punishment. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles notes that state FLHSMV statutes elevate leaving the scene of a crash involving injuries to a felony offense.
What’s next
The Highway Patrol says its investigation remains active as troopers review physical evidence, dash-cam footage, and witness statements to build a complete picture of what happened and to track down the Camry and its driver. Anyone who was in the area around 7:20 p.m. on Saturday and has dash-cam video or other information is urged to contact the Florida Highway Patrol at *FHP (*347). Once the investigation is wrapped up, the case will move forward through the county court system and any additional charges will be filed based on the final findings.
