Ruskin driver with suspended license leads troopers on chase before I-75 patrol car crash: FHP

THONOTOSASSA, Fla. - A Ruskin man was arrested Wednesday after a crash involving Florida Highway Patrol troopers on I-75 in Hillsborough County, authorities said. 

FHP said troopers tried to pull over a 2009 BMW SUV for following too closely on I-4 near Thonotosassa Road. The driver was later identified as 35-year-old Wilfredo Cordova Diaz, who investigators said is a habitual traffic offender with a suspended license. 

Previous booking photo for Wilfredo Cordova Diaz. Courtesy: Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. 

The driver fled from troopers as they tried to conduct a traffic stop, heading westbound on I-4, then northbound on I-75, according to FHP. When he was just south of Fletcher Avenue, Diaz abruptly slowed and drove into the grass median to try and make a U-turn. 

Crash investigators said troopers who were pursuing the suspect also drove into the grass median, but one of the agency's K-9 units wasn't able to slow down and slammed into the back of another K-9 unit vehicle. 

Courtesy: Florida Highway Patrol.

Diaz's car disabled in the grass median, and he was apprehended by troopers. 

One of the patrol vehicles flipped in the median, and SkyFOX showed a view of the other FHP vehicle with severe front damage. 

Both troopers were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to officials. They also confirmed both troopers' K-9's suffered minor injuries and were taken to a veterinarian where they were treated. 

The crash caused major delays in the north and southbound lanes of I-75 near Fletcher Avenue in Hillsborough County. All lanes were reopened just before 6:15 p.m., troopers said. 

Diaz was taken to the Hillsborough County Jail after he was arrested for fleeing from law enforcement, driving with a suspended license, and possession of one kilo of cocaine, authorities said.