Driver Hides in Woods After Fatal Crash in Hillsborough Co.: FHP

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL – A 22-year-old Wimauma man was arrested after allegedly crashing his vehicle overnight, leaving his dead passenger and fleeing to nearby woods with another man, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Oscar Lopez-Yesca was arrested today for suspicion of leaving the scene of a crash involving a death, driving without a license involving a death and operating an unregistered motor vehicle, troopers said.

Lopez-Yesca and another passenger, a 23-year-old Wimauma man, were found hiding in a wooded area near the crash scene on US-301 near Bishop Road in Hillsborough County, the FHP said. Both were treated for minor injuries sustained in the wreck.

The deceased passenger was identified this morning as 34-year-old Gabriel Hernandez Tello, also from Wimauma, troopers said. The man suffered fatal injuries and expired at the crash site.

Lopez-Yesca reportedly was behind the wheel of a 2004 GMC Yukon around 1 a.m. traveling south on US-301 approaching Bishop when he apparently lost control of the SUV which rotated, went off the road and and collided with several trees. Lopez-Yesca and the other man then fled on foot.

Troopers said alcohol is believed to be a factor in the wreck.

Lopez-Yesca was transported to the Hillsborough County Jail.

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--Image via FHP