Man Allegedly Tried To Steal Car At Scene Of Fatal Accident

A Temple Terrace man is facing a charge of grand theft after he allegedly tried to steal a car at the scene of a fatal accident on U.S. Highway 301 early Sept. 5.

Colby Wade Cardoso, 20, of 4608 East Citrus Circle, is also facing a charge of burglary of an occupied vehicle, battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest and depriving and officer of his firearm.

The incident started at 5:30 a.m., Sept. 5 when Cardoso pulled up to the scene of a crash on U.S. 301 and Ranch Road in Thonotosassa.

The crash occurred when two people driving a car in the wrong lane collided with a Sweetbay tractor trailer, according to a Florida Highway Patrol report.

Both the driver and passenger in the car died at the scene. The truck driver received minor injuries.

Cardoso pulled up to the crash and attempted to steal a vehicle belonging to a witness that had also stopped at scene, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.

Cardoso entered the driver's side of the 2001 Ford pickup truck where the victim's 5-year-old daughter was seated. When he was unable to start the truck, Cardoro fled on foot.

Deputy Carl Luis, 53, chased and caught the 20-year-old. Cardoso struck Luis several times and also tried to remove the deputy’s gun as he was placed under arrest.

Luis suffered injuries to his hands and neck.  The suspect also sustained upper body injuries. Both were treated and released from local hospitals.