Hillsborough deputies said the man admitted leaving the crash scene because he’d been drinking and was afraid.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY  – A Plant City man has been accused of leaving the scene of a traffic crash in which his passenger died, Hillsborough sheriff’s deputies said.

Miguel Angel Castaneda, 49, of  4504 Hwy. 574, Lot 115, in Plant City was charged with leaving the scene of a crash with death. Castaneda was still in the Orient Road Jail early this morning (March 23) on $75,000 bond, according to jail records.

Deputies said the traffic crash happened about 8:45 p.m. Friday (March 18) at Old Mulberry Road near Merrin Road. The vehicle, a 1993 Nissan Altima, struck a telephone pole. Witnesses told deputies they saw the driver leave the scene on foot. Deputies said they found a dead male passenger in the car.

Castaneda was identified as the driver and, on Monday (March 21), deputies said they found Castaneda at his home. They said Castaneda told them he tried to hit the brake when he approached a curve, but stepped on the gas instead and lost control. Castaneda said he ran away because he’d been drinking beer that day and was afraid. He was arrested, taken to Brandon Hospital to make sure he was okay, then taken to the Orient Road Jail, deputies said.

For information about the Hillsborough County sheriff, go to hcso.tampa.fl.us.

Hillsborough Sheriff | Plant City | Miguel Angel Castaneda | Crime | TB Reporter

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