Father Dead in New Tampa Hit-and-Run Crash, Man in Custody Charged With First Degree Murder
Tampa Police are currently investigating a hit and run that took place near New Tampa Boulevard and Wood Sage. A crash involved a family of three that were riding their bikes on an off road trail.
The incident took place near New Tampa Boulevard and Wood Sage Drive on June 24 shortly before noon. The suspect vehicle was traveling eastbound on New Tampa Boulevard when it crossed the traffic lane and collided with a family of three. The father and his two younger sons were riding their bikes on an off road trail separated by a grass median when they were hit. All three victims were transported to a local hospital.
Pedro Aguerreberry, age 42, suffered life-threatening injuries and was later pronounced
deceased. Bennett Aguerreberry, age 3, is being treated for serious injuries including a broken leg. Lucas Aguerreberry, age 8, suffered minor injuries. Both children are expected to recover.
During the investigation, Hillsborough County Sheriff deputies located a maroon 2008 Dodge Avenger in the Pebble Creek subdivision that was later confirmed to be involved in the hit and run. The vehicle had plastic taped to the windshield to conceal the damaged windshield.
Detectives initially were asking for the public’s help in locating the suspect vehicle, possibly a red or maroon colored Dodge Caliber with front end damage and a broken windshield. The vehicle was last seen heading southbound on Bruce B. Downs Boulevard.
"If you have any compassion in your soul you will call the police department to help us find out what happened to this family." ~Chief Brian Dugan on Hit and Run in New Tampa. Send tips to 813-231-6130. pic.twitter.com/Thpy6LSoL9
— TampaPD (@TampaPD) June 24, 2018
On Monday morning, Tampa Police Chief Brian Dugan announced the arrest of 30 year-old Mikese Morse of Tampa. Morse is currently being held in Hillsborough County Jail on several charges, to include murder in the first degree, related to a crash that killed Pedro Aguerreberry. One witness reported that Morse made a u-turn, accelerate, and purposefully strike the family.
Police say that Morse admitted to the attack on the family.
Law enforcement is familiar with Morse who was recently detained under the Baker Act. His recent social media posts on Instagram are also under investigation.