Hillsborough – A motorcyclist was seriously injured after being struck by an SUV during a high-speed incident involving multiple vehicles on Interstate 4, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The crash happened on April 4, 2026, at approximately 7:20 p.m. near the 16.5 milepost, close to N. Branch Forbes Road, when an FHP trooper was traveling westbound on I-4 in response to a service call. While en route, the trooper noticed two vehicles speeding and passing his marked patrol car.
Investigators say the lead vehicle, described as a silver Toyota Camry, passed the trooper at speeds approaching 100 miles per hour. The Camry then overtook a motorcyclist traveling in the outside lane and cut in front of the trooper while continuing westbound.
As the trooper accelerated to initiate a traffic stop on the Camry, a second vehicle, identified as a Kia Seltos, attempted to perform a similar maneuver. During that attempt, the SUV collided with the motorcyclist while traveling adjacent to the patrol vehicle.
The rider, a 52-year-old Plant City man, was ejected from the motorcycle and sustained serious injuries. He was transported to an area hospital for treatment.
Following the crash, the driver of the Kia Seltos, identified as Preston Taylor Nascimento, 22, of Apopka, stopped on the shoulder. He was taken into custody by the trooper and charged with reckless driving involving serious bodily injury.
The driver of the silver Toyota Camry did not stop and remains unidentified. The Florida Highway Patrol is asking anyone with information about the vehicle or its driver to call *FHP (*347).