Driver arrested after deadly Florida crash

A 26-year-old Honduran man was arrested in Polk County after fleeing the scene of a crash that killed one person. The incident occurred on State Road 37 near the Bradley Junction community.

The Polk County Sheriff's Office identified the suspect as Grevil Cerrato. He was driving a Honda sedan at the time of the collision. Detectives stated that Cerrato ran away from the vehicles after the impact. He was later located and taken into custody.

Cerrato told traffic homicide detectives that he fled because he was scared. He also admitted to not having a driver's license and being in the United States illegally. The sheriff's office confirmed an immigration hold was placed on him following his booking.

The crash happened shortly after 6 a.m. on Monday. First responders found a 71-year-old Lakeland man dead inside his 2006 Ford Focus. A 29-year-old Wimauma man driving a Toyota SUV was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Investigators determined that the Toyota was traveling north on State Road 37. The Ford and Honda were traveling south, with the Honda positioned behind the Ford. Weather conditions and a wet roadway caused the Toyota driver to lose control. The SUV crossed into the southbound lanes and struck the Ford. The Honda also collided with the other two vehicles.

State Road 37 remained closed for approximately five hours following the accident. The 71-year-old victim and the 29-year-old driver have not been named by authorities. It is not yet known if the Toyota driver will face traffic citations or criminal charges for losing control.

Cerrato was charged with leaving the scene of a crash involving death, a first-degree felony. He also faces a misdemeanor charge for driving without a valid license. The investigation into the crash remains ongoing.