A high-speed pursuit on Interstate 75 near Thonotosassa Road unfolded on July 19, 2023, when Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) Troopers attempted to stop a 2009 BMW sport utility vehicle for following too closely on Interstate 4. The driver, identified as Wilfredo Cordova Diaz, 35, of Ruskin, Florida, was discovered to be a habitual traffic offender with a suspended license.
As the FHP Troopers initiated the traffic stop, Diaz chose to evade authorities and sped away westbound on Interstate 4. He then changed course, heading northbound on Interstate 75, with the pursuing Troopers closely behind. South of Fletcher Avenue, Diaz made a sudden maneuver, attempting to execute a U-Turn by entering the grass median.
However, the situation worsened as one of the pursuing Trooper vehicles, a K-9 unit traveling in a Chevy Tahoe, faced difficulty slowing down on the grass surface. As a result, the Tahoe collided with the rear of another K-9 unit traveling in a Ford Explorer.
The impact sent both vehicles spinning, with the Tahoe eventually stopping along the paved shoulder of Interstate 75 and the Ford Explorer overturning into the median. Miraculously, both Troopers involved in the collision sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were promptly transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Thankfully, the K-9 officers accompanying the Troopers survived the crash with only minor injuries. They were taken to a local veterinarian, received medical attention, and were released shortly afterward.
The dramatic incident caused significant disruptions to traffic on both the north and southbound lanes of Interstate 75. For several hours, authorities worked diligently to clear the wreckage and restore normal traffic flow. The lanes were finally reopened at 6:11 PM, allowing the road to return to its usual state.
Despite his efforts to flee, Diaz was eventually caught by the pursuing FHP Troopers when his BMW became disabled in the median. He was taken into custody and later transported to Hillsborough County Jail, where he now faces multiple charges.
Wilfredo Cordova Diaz is charged with fleeing and eluding, driving with a suspended license as a habitual offender, and possession of one kilogram of cocaine, which was discovered within his vehicle during the arrest.