TAMPA, Fla. — Two Florida Highway Patrol troopers were hospitalized with injuries after a crash that happened while they were chasing a man up I-75 NB Wednesday afternoon.
FHP says, around 3:17 p.m., troopers attempted to stop that man — who was driving a 2009 BMW SUV — on I-4 near Thonotosassa Road. They say Wilfredo Cordova Diaz, 35, did not stop, which caused a chase that started on I-4 and then traveled north on I-75.
FHP said the driver entered the grass median just south of Fletcher Avenue in an attempt to make a U-turn. Troopers also entered the grass median. However, a K-9 unit, traveling in a Chevy Tahoe, wasn't able to slow down and collided with the rear of another FHP K-9 unit, a Ford Explorer.
According to FHP, the Tahoe rotated and came to a stop on the paved shoulder. The Explorer overturned and landed in the grassy median.
Officials said both troopers suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to a local hospital. Both K-9s suffered minor injuries and were taken to a local vet, where they were treated and released.
Two northbound lanes were shut down near Fletcher Ave while officials investigate the crash. All lanes were opened at 6:11 p.m.
According to FHP, Diaz was captured when his SUV became disabled in the median.
Troopers say he was taken to Hillsborough County Jail, where he was charged with fleeing and eluding, driving while license suspended as a habitual offender, and possession of one kilo of cocaine, which was found in his SUV.
James Anderson, from Hernando County, was driving home from work when he witnessed the chase and ensuing crash.
“I was in the fast lane, and when I looked at my, you know, mirror I saw nothing but dust, and I didn’t understand it," he said. “It was a chase, and then, all of a sudden, a trooper’s upside-down. Within five seconds.”
He believes the suspect, Diaz, should face consequences for his actions.
“I can’t even fathom what he should get, you know, because he could have killed a bunch of people," Anderson said. “I can’t even put it in words how someone could be that stupid, that selfish, and put that many people at risk, you know, driving like that.”
