A motorist’s attempt to evade responsibility after a traffic collision ended abruptly Sunday night when he reportedly fled the scene in front of a law enforcement officer.
The incident happened around 8:38 p.m. near the intersection of U.S. 98 South and East Ethelene Street in Bartow, close to the Ruby Tuesday restaurant. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) reported a minor crash took place involving a 2007 Ford Edge driven by Francisco Marin-Matildes, 37.
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While officials stated that there were no injuries from the crash, sources indicate that Marin-Matildes did not stop to share information. Instead, he allegedly fled the scene in his vehicle.
The decision proved unsuccessful, as a PCSO deputy happened to be watching the events unfold. The deputy quickly started a traffic stop for the Ford Edge.
During the subsequent investigation, the deputy discovered that Marin-Matildes did not have a driver’s license. Further investigation found that he is a Mexican national living in the United States illegally.
Marin-Matildes was taken into jail and brought to the Sheriff’s Processing Center. He is accused of driving without a valid driver’s license and leaving the scene of a traffic accident without injuries.
Under Florida law, the defendant’s immigrant status resulted in an increase in the charges. As a result, the charges were increased from second-degree misdemeanors to first-degree misdemeanors.
Authorities verified that Marin-Matildes has been placed under Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody.
