PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — State troopers have arrested a man suspected of causing the Feb. 1 crash that killed three people on U.S. 19 and then running away from the scene.
Florida Highway Patrol troopers say two men in a 2013 Buick were traveling southbound in the center lane of U.S. 19 approaching the intersection of Tampa Road in Pinellas County. A family of three in a 2010 Nissan were traveling westbound in the left turn lane of Tampa Road approaching the intersection of U.S. 19.
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As the two vehicles entered the intersection, the Buick -- driven by 22-year-old Tanner Hackman -- blew through a red light as the family in the Nissan turned left with a green traffic signal.
The Nissan was hit and rotated to its final rest on U.S. 19. Bruce Johnson (aged 65), Lisa Johnson (aged 49) and Glenworth Johnson (aged 18) were killed in the wreck.
Hackman and a passenger left their car and ran away from the scene on foot. About 20 days after the deadly crash, FHP arrested Hackman in Clearwater.
Hackman is being charged with vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of a crash involving a death.
Officials did not say if the passenger is also in custody.
Anyone with information regarding the crash is asked to contact the Florida Highway Patrol at (813) 558-1800.
The crash happened at an intersection with a deadly reputation. FDOT plans to add an overpass at US 19 and Tampa Road, but construction won't start until 2024. FDOT also tells ABC Action News construction isn't even funded yet.
FHP is also investigating a concerning trend regarding hit and run collisions. In 2019, FHP troopers investigated more than 105,000 hit and run crashes across Florida. 206 of those crashes resulted in deaths and 1,115 left people with serious injuries. FHP is launching a campaign to encourage drivers to stop after a collision. Leaving the scene of a fatal crash can lead to a driver facing a $10,000 fine and up to 30 years in prison.
