FHP: Wrong-way driver causes fatal crash on I-275

TAMPA - A 22-year-old driver, traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of I-275 in downtown Tampa, caused an accident that killed another driver Thursday, according to the Florida Highway Patrol

FHP Sgt. Steve Gaskins said that at approximately 2:45 AM, Christopher Ponce of Tampa was driving his Ford Focus southbound in the northbound lanes of I-275, just south of the I-4 interchange downtown.

Ponce collided head-on with a Mustang that was headed northbound in the center lanes of 275 with 20-year-old William Brooks Angel, of Wesley Chapel, at the wheel. Angel died at the scene. Two passengers in his car, Robert Patrick Newberry, 22, of Lutz, and Jay Davis, were taken to St. Joseph's Hospital with serious injuries.

Ponce was taken to Tampa General Hospital with serious injuries, and arrested Friday after being released.

Northbound I-275 was closed until approximately 6:45 AM while an investigation was conducted. Traffic was detoured at Ashley Drive.

Ponce was charged with DUI manslaughter, vehicular homicide, reckless driving and more.

Additional photos from the scene are on Twitter @TampaBayTraffic.