Police say second driver arrested in racing crash that killed woman on Dale Mabry

Tampa detectives have arrested another man they say was involved in a street race on Dale Mabry Highway that left a woman dead last week.

Daniel Hernandez, 19, was arrested Monday on suspicion of vehicular homicide, illegal racing on a highway, reckless driving causing serious bodily injury and leaving the scene of an accident causing death, the Tampa Police Department said in a news release.

Police say Hernandez, who was driving a 2021 Chevrolet Camaro, was racing with Andy Moya Robaina, 22, on North Dale Mabry Highway on June 3 when Robaina’s 2011 BMW 335i struck a Nissan Versa that was entering the roadway. from 2015

Both people traveling in the Nissan were taken to hospital. The driver, Thomas Strickland, 74, suffered injuries that were not considered life-threatening. Passenger Marsha “Linda” Strickland, 63, died at the hospital. Robaina was arrested on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter, reckless driving causing serious bodily injury and highway racing.

Police had previously said they were looking for the driver of a “dark vehicle” that “narrowly missed the Nissan” and continued south on Dale Mabry. According to the police, the driver did not stop or return to the scene of the accident.

On Monday, detectives received information that the other driver involved was Hernandez and arranged a meeting with him, the news release said. After interviewing him, detectives were able to establish probable cause and arrest him.

“This is another example of our detectives’ unwavering commitment to bringing those responsible for traffic fatalities to justice,” Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw said in a news release. “We hope these arrests will bring some closure to this tragic incident, but it should also serve as a stark reminder of everyone’s responsibility to drive safely on our roads.”

Tommy Strickland, Thomas Strickland’s son, previously told the Tampa Bay Times that his father was recovering from broken ribs, bruised shoulder blades, hematomas and lacerations throughout his body. He said his family is focused on preparing for his mother’s funeral and supporting his father during his recovery.

Robaina was held without bond at the Falkenburg Road Jail on Tuesday. Court records show that since 2020, he has received tickets in Hillsborough County for speeding, failure to stay in a designated lane, running a stop sign, no proof of insurance and driving without a valid driver’s license.

Police said Hernandez was being held at the Orient Road Jail without bail and his Camaro was impounded.