Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) troopers are investigating a hit-and-run incident that injured several people. The crash occurred shortly before 7:30 p.m. on Monday, July 15, 2024, in the westbound lanes of Ulmerton Road at the intersection with US-19.
According to preliminary information released by FHP, a Volkswagen Beetle and a Toyota sedan were stopped in traffic westbound on Ulmerton in the outside lane, east of US-19.
The driver of a white sedan, possibly a Toyota, with previous rear-end damage, was traveling westbound, failed to stop, and collided with the Volkwagon’s rear. This resulted in the Volkswagon being propelled into the Toyota sedan.
The driver of the white sedan fled the scene westbound on Ulmerton Road. The vehicle’s driver is believed to be a white female with short blond hair and glasses. The car should have visible front-end damage.
The driver of the blue Volkswagon, 62-year-old John Trevena, had to be extricated from his vehicle, which took approximately 35 minutes. He was rushed to the trauma center at Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital for treatment of a possible spinal cord injury. His spouse and passenger were also transported to the hospital with unspecified injuries but were later released.
The male driver of the Toyota was not injured in the crash.
In the aftermath of the crash, northbound Frontage Road and all westbound lanes on Ulmerton Road were closed to traffic.
Motorists were advised to seek alternative routes until further notice while authorities continue their investigation and cleanup efforts at the scene.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call FHP (347) or Crime Stoppers at **TIPS and reference Case #FHP24ON0353670.
John Trevena is the owner and principal attorney of the law firm Trevena | James Attorneys At Law in Largo, Florida.
Stay tuned to IONTB for the latest updates on this developing story.