Tampa police make arrest in fatal crash

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — One man is dead and another has been arrested after a fatal vehicle crash in Tampa early Saturday morning. The Tampa Police Department said 25-year-old Jefry Maldonado Hernandez was driving a Dodge Ram on Busch Blvd. at around 3:20 a.m., approaching N Armenia Ave. As the Dodge was approaching the intersection, a Lexus RX300 was stopped at a red light while traveling south on N Armenia. When the light turned green for the Lexus, the driver continued southbound and crossed through the intersection. TPD said witnesses informed investigators that Hernandez sped up to "beat the light" when it turned yellow and then ran the red light at a high speed. The Dodge crashed into the Lexus and was flipped on its side. A man in his early 60s was driving the Lexus, police said, and he suffered traumatic injuries in the crash. The man was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. “We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of an innocent man this morning, and our Victims Advocate will work to aid his grieving family as they navigate this incredible loss," Police Chief Lee Bercaw said. "This was not an accident, but the result of a driver's criminal actions and reckless decision to operate a vehicle while impaired. DUI is a completely avoidable act that destroys lives." Officers said Hernandez showed obvious signs of impairment and was arrested. He is charged with vehicular homicide, DUI manslaughter and driving without a valid driver's license. The crash caused a power outage and closed the roads for several hours, but all impacted roadways have since reopened.