Home » [12-13-24] Motorcyclist Dead After Hit-And-Run in Gibsonton

[12-13-24] Motorcyclist Dead After Hit-And-Run in Gibsonton

GIBSONTON, Fla. (WFLA) — A motorcyclist died after a hit-and-run crash in Gibsonton Wednesday night, leading to an investigation by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.

According to HCSO, at 7:30 p.m., a man riding a motorcycle and an unknown vehicle were involved in a crash at Symmes Road and Southwind Lake Drive.

The person driving the vehicle reportedly fled from the scene of the crash.

The motorcyclist, later identified as 18-year-old Isaiah Raposa, was transported to the hospital but died from his injuries, according to the sheriff’s office.

Later Thursday afternoon, the sheriff’s office issued an arrest warrant for 27-year-old Jonathan Saldana Rojas, who was identified as a suspect in the hit-and-run crash.

Authorities said they learned Rojas was driving a white sedan when the incident happened.

Saldana Rojas is currently wanted on the following charges:

Leaving the scene of a crash with death

No valid driver’s license (1st offense)

“Every life lost on our roads is a tragedy, and in this case, the victim’s life was taken far too soon,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Now that we know the name of the driver responsible for this fatal hit-and-run, our focus is on locating him. I urge anyone who has information about his whereabouts to come forward. Your help is critical in ensuring justice is served and bringing closure to the victim’s family.”

This is an active and ongoing investigation.

Source : WFLA

(Credit : NBC News)

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MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT STATISTICS

Florida is considered one of the most dangerous states for motorcycle riders. Motorcycle fatalities in Florida have more than doubled over the past twenty years. According to The National Highway Safety Administration, motorcycle riders continue to be overrepresented in fatal traffic crashes. In 2020 in the US, there were 5,458 motorcycle fatalities and 84,000 motorcycle accident-related injuries.

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Left turns (made by vehicle operators)
Reckless driving
Distracted driving
Speeding
Driving while intoxicated
Driving in inclement weather
Wrong-way driving
Failing to obey traffic laws
Motorcycle lane splitting

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