“Ruskin Man Arrested After Crash Involving FHP Troopers on I-75”

A Ruskin man was arrested on Wednesday after a crash involving Florida Highway Patrol troopers on I-75 in Hillsborough County. The driver, identified as 35-year-old Wilfredo Cordova Diaz, was driving a 2009 BMW SUV when troopers attempted to pull him over for following too closely on I-4 near Thonotosassa Road.

Diaz, who is a habitual traffic offender with a suspended license, fled from the troopers as they tried to conduct a traffic stop. He headed westbound on I-4 and then northbound on I-75. When Diaz was just south of Fletcher Avenue, he abruptly slowed down and drove into the grass median in an attempt to make a U-turn.

As the troopers pursued Diaz into the grass median, one of the agency’s K-9 units was unable to slow down and collided with the back of another K-9 unit vehicle. Diaz’s car was disabled in the grass median, and he was apprehended by troopers.

The crash caused major delays in both the northbound and southbound lanes of I-75 near Fletcher Avenue. All lanes were reopened just before 6:15 p.m., according to troopers.

Both troopers involved in the crash were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The K-9 units also suffered minor injuries and were taken to a veterinarian for treatment.

Diaz was taken to the Hillsborough County Jail after his arrest. He faces charges of fleeing from law enforcement, driving with a suspended license, and possession of one kilo of cocaine.

This incident highlights the dangers of fleeing from law enforcement and the potential consequences that can arise from such actions. It also serves as a reminder to always obey traffic laws and drive responsibly to ensure the safety of oneself and others on the road..