A man has been detained in Central Florida following a fatal hit-and-run crash.
Edwin Rapalo-Lorenzo, 27, was detained by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office after fleeing the scene of a deadly crash in Keysville. According to local law enforcement, Rapalo-Lorenzo will be detained for immigration purposes.
HCSO responded to complaints of a traffic accident on Old Hopewell Road near Henry George Road last month. Deputies came to find two people who had been ejected off a motorcycle.
Giovany Negron Talavera, 37, was pronounced dead at the scene. The passenger on the motorcycle, an adult female, was transported to Tampa General Hospital in critical condition.
Deputies discovered that the driver of the second vehicle involved had fled on foot before they arrived.
Deputies established that Edwin Rapalo-Lorenzo, the driver of a Ford Explorer, was going eastbound on Old Hopewell Road when he crossed into the westbound lane and collided with the motorbike head-on. Deputies immediately began looking for the driver.
Rapalo-Lorenzo was apprehended by aviation and K9 teams after a coordinated effort to find him. He was taken to Tampa General Hospital due to his injuries.
Rapalo-Lorenzo was charged with leaving the scene of a death, leaving the scene of a serious bodily injury, and driving without a valid license.
Detectives were able to generate probable cause to charge Edwin Rapalo-Lorenzo with vehicular homicide (leaving the scene) and reckless driving with serious bodily injury after gathering more evidence.
“This crash killed one person and left another fighting for their life, and the driver chose to flee rather than accept responsibility,” said Hillsborough County Chad Chronister. “Our hearts are with the victims and their family as they face this loss, and we will ensure those responsible are held accountable.”
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