Tampa police are searching for a driver who hit a 19-year-old woman riding a bicycle along W. Waters Avenue, then drove off, leaving her critically injured. She was rushed to a nearby hospital and died the next day, according to authorities. Detectives have been canvassing the neighborhood and pulling surveillance footage as they work to track down the vehicle and whoever was behind the wheel.
The crash happened Monday night near the intersection of W. Waters Avenue and N. Albany Avenue, and witnesses told officers the vehicle that struck the cyclist was a Toyota SUV that kept going without stopping. (Tampa Bay Times)
Police Release Timeline And Zero In On Suspect Vehicle
In a City of Tampa news release, investigators said the collision occurred around 10:05 p.m. Monday. The woman was riding westbound in the far-right lane on W. Waters Avenue when she was hit, then transported to a hospital in critical condition, where she later died. Detectives reported that vehicle parts left at the scene were matched to a 2013–2016 Toyota RAV4. They urged nearby residents and businesses to review surveillance footage from that night and contact the department with any tips. Anyone with information is asked to call Tampa Police at 813-231-6130 and reference report 26-309099. (City of Tampa)
Where This Crash Fits Locally And Statewide
W. Waters Avenue has seen deadly crashes before, and prior coverage has chronicled other fatal wrecks along the corridor. On a broader level, federal crash statistics show Florida among the states with relatively high per-capita pedalcyclist fatality rates, a data point that keeps reinforcing long-standing worries about rider safety on busy roads. (FOX 13; NHTSA)
Legal Consequences
Florida law requires drivers involved in crashes that cause injury or death to stop, render aid and exchange information. Leaving the scene of a crash that results in death can be charged as a felony under Florida Statutes §316.027. Prosecutors decide on specific charges once investigators identify a suspect and sort through the facts of the case. (Florida Statutes)
How To Help The Investigation
Police are asking anyone who lives or works near W. Waters Avenue and N. Albany Avenue, or who was driving through the area around 10 p.m. Monday, to check doorbell cameras, security systems or dash cams for any glimpse of a dark-colored SUV or suspicious activity. Even brief clips, investigators say, can be the missing piece in a hit-and-run case. Tips can be called in to Tampa Police at 813-231-6130; callers should refer to report 26-309099. (City of Tampa)
No arrests had been announced as of the latest update, and the investigation remains active. Tampa police say they will release additional details as they develop.
