Second driver arrested in racing crash that killed woman on Dale Mabry, police say

Tampa detectives have arrested another man who they say was involved in a street race on Dale Mabry Highway that left a woman dead last week.

Daniel Hernandez, 19, was arrested Monday on charges of vehicular homicide, unlawful racing on a highway, reckless driving with serious bodily injury and leaving the scene of an accident involving death, Tampa police said in a news release.

Police said Hernandez, who was driving a 2021 Chevrolet Camaro, was racing with Andy Moya Robaina, 22, on North Dale Mabry Highway on June 3 when Robaina's 2011 BMW 335i struck a 2015 Nissan Versa that was entering the pavement.

The two occupants of the Nissan were taken to hospital. The driver, Thomas Strickland, 74, suffered non-life-threatening injuries. The passenger, Marsha “Linda” Strickland, 63, died at the hospital. Robaina was arrested for vehicular homicide, dangerous driving causing serious bodily injury and motorway racing.

Police previously said they were searching for the driver of a “dark-colored vehicle” that “narrowly missed the Nissan” and continued south on Dale Mabry. The driver did not stop or return to the scene, police said.

On Monday, detectives received information that Hernández was the other driver involved and they arranged a meeting with him, the news release states. After questioning him, detectives were able to establish probable cause and arrest him.

“This is another example of our detectives’ unwavering commitment to bringing those responsible for fatal traffic crashes to justice,” Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw said in the news release. “While we hope these arrests bring closure to this tragic incident, they should also be a stark reminder of everyone's responsibility to share our roads safely. »

Tommy Strickland, Thomas Strickland's son, previously told the Tampa Bay Times that his father was recovering from broken ribs, a bruised shoulder blade, bruises and lacerations all around his body. He said his family was focused on their mother's funeral arrangements and supporting their father during his recovery.

Robaina was being held Tuesday at the Falkenburg Road Jail without bail. Court records show that since 2020, he has received citations in Hillsborough County for speeding, failure to obey a designated lane, obeying a stop sign, failure to provide proof of insurance and driving without a valid license.

Hernandez was being held without bail at the Orient Road Jail and his Camaro was impounded, according to police.

Tampa detectives have arrested another man involved in a street race on Dale Mabry Highway that left a woman dead last week.

Daniel Hernandez, 19, was arrested Monday on charges of vehicular homicide, unlawful racing on a highway, reckless driving with serious bodily injury and leaving the scene of an accident involving death, Tampa police said in a news release.

“While we hope these arrests bring closure to this tragic incident, they should also be a stark reminder of everyone's responsibility to share our roads safely,” Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw said. in the press release.