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K9 Deputy Captures Hit-and-Run Driver, Sheriff Says

LyCan | Vincent Virgilio | Arrests

He was charged with DUI and other offenses after the head-on crash, Hillsborough deputies said.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY – A K9 deputy tracked down and captured a driver who fled the scene of a head-on collision Monday (Dec. 17) night, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said.

The other driver, Kayla Cowans, 23, of Brandon, was taken to Tampa General Hospital. Her condition is unclear.

Vincent Virgilio, 29, of Riverview, was charged with one count each of DUI with Serious Injury; Driving with License Canceled, Suspended or Revoked; Grand Theft Motor Vehicle; and Leaving Scene of a Crash with Serious Injury.

The crash happened about 8:42 p.m. Monday. Deputies said Virgilio was driving a stolen 1997 Dodge Dakota truck, just east of the intersection of Bloomingdale Avenue and Watson Road, when he swerved into the eastbound lanes and struck the 2019 Honda Civic that Cowans was driving.

The head-on crash disabled both vehicles and Virgilio fled on foot, as aviation and K9 deputies responded to the area to search for him. K9 LyCan was deployed and tracked Virgilio to a wooden shed in a backyard in the 3400 block of Yale Circle.

Deputies said LyCan pulled the suspect to the doorway area where he was taken into custody without further incident.

Virgilio provided two breath samples at the time of arrest, which showed a BAC of 0.159/0.148), according to deputies. The said Virgilio admitted to stealing the Dodge.

Photo shows K9 LyCan and Vincent Virgilio. Courtesy of the Hillsborough Sheriff’s Office.

Hillsborough Sheriff | Crime | Hit-and-Run Crash | Head-On Crash | Arrests | Tampabay News

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