Tampa police arrest driver suspected of fleeing after fatally striking pedestrian

In a tragic incident early Tuesday morning, Tampa police have arrested Manuel Martin Gonzalez, 41, after he allegedly struck pedestrian Kelton Marquis Washington, 41, with his pickup truck and fled the scene. The collision occurred around 3 a. m. on Orient Road, where Washington was walking. Gonzalez did not stop to provide assistance and continued driving north after the incident.

Washington was taken to a local hospital but succumbed to his injuries later that day. Surveillance footage captured the incident and aided police in identifying Gonzalez, leading to his arrest at his residence late Tuesday night. Witnesses reported that Gonzalez returned to the area shortly after the crash, and pieces of his truck were recovered at the scene. He has been charged with leaving the scene of a crash involving the death of a vulnerable road user. This incident highlights the serious consequences of hit-and-run accidents and the importance of accountability on the roads.