NewsHillsborough County

Actions

Driver arrested for DUI after hitting, killing bicyclist in Tampa: Police

Posted at 7:45 PM, Mar 04, 2020
and last updated 2020-03-05 10:17:27-05

TAMPA, Fla. — A driver is facing DUI charges after hitting and killing a bicyclist Wednesday night, then leaving the scene and returning nearly an hour later.

Police say the victim was riding a bicycle north on N. Gomez Avenue when he turned onto W. Gray Street into the path of an eastbound Jeep. The driver, 22-year-old Seth Lapensohn hit the victim, police say.

The victim was thrown from the bicycle and Lapensohn left the scene. Officers say he returned nearly an hour later and appeared to be under the influence.

HILLSBOROUGH NEWS | The latest headlines from Hillsborough County

He admitted to being involved in the crash, police say. He was arrested for a misdemeanor DUI charge and a felony charge for leaving the scene of a crash with death.

Officials have not released the deceased bicyclist's identity.

The investigation is ongoing to determine any other possible contributing factors.