Tampa, FL – 2 FHP Troopers Injured in High-Speed Chase on I-75 in Tampa

Tampa, FL (July 19, 2023) – Two Florida Highway Patrol troopers were injured in a crash on I-75 in Tampa on Wednesday afternoon, July 19th. The crash occurred after troopers attempted to stop a driver who was fleeing from them.

The driver, Wilfredo Cordova Diaz, 35, of Ruskin, FL, was driving a 2009 BMW SUV when troopers tried to pull him over on I-4 near Thonotosassa Road. Diaz refused to stop, and a chase ensued.

The chase continued onto I-75, where Diaz drove at high speeds and weaved in and out of traffic. At one point, he entered the grass median in an attempt to make a U-turn. Troopers also entered the median, but a K-9 unit, traveling in a Chevy Tahoe, was unable to slow down and collided with the rear of another FHP K-9 unit, a Ford Explorer.

The Tahoe rotated and came to a stop on the paved shoulder. The Explorer overturned and landed in the grassy median.

Both troopers suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to a local hospital. Both K-9s suffered injuries and were taken to a local vet, where they were treated and released.

Diaz was captured when his SUV became disabled in the median. He was arrested and charged with fleeing and eluding, driving while his license was suspended as a habitual offender, and possession of one kilo of cocaine, which was found in his SUV.

Our thoughts go out to the victims of this accident, and we wish them a speedy recovery.