Hillsborough County, FL– Authorities have apprehended a Florida man following assistance from hit-and-run victims in identifying the suspect, according to FHP.
The man is now facing charges following a hit-and-run incident on I-75 that resulted in four individuals being hospitalized. Authorities credit the victims’ investigative efforts for playing a crucial role in his apprehension.
According to FHP, the incident occurred on November 8 in the northbound lanes, just south of the Gibsonton Drive exit in Hillsborough County.
A gray Infiniti driver attempted to maneuver between two vehicles, colliding with them before fleeing the scene, as detailed in an arrest affidavit.
Chronology of the Inquiry
This timeline is derived from the arrest affidavit provided by the Florida Highway Patrol.
November 9-
Following the incident, one of the individuals involved, designated here as “the victim,” submitted his dashcam footage to the Florida Highway Patrol. However, officers were unable to discern the license plate or identify the driver from the video.
Later that day, the victim informed FHP that his wife, who sustained injuries in the accident, received a tip via social media indicating that a gray Infiniti with significant damage had been seen near the Zoom Zoom gas station on Gibsonton Dr., just north of where the incident occurred.
November 10-
The victim was informed of yet another anonymous tip, as reported by FHP, indicating that the driver involved in the hit-and-run and his vehicle were seen in the Fish Hawk region.
November 11-
The victim provided FHP with an image he received from the Zoom Zoom gas station, depicting the Infiniti that was seen shortly after the incident.
November 12-
Authorities were informed about a discussion involving the victim and a source who indicated that a car, which appeared to be damaged and fit the suspect’s vehicle description, was located under a cover in the driveway of a residence in Riverview.
November 13-
Additional surveillance images provided to FHP revealed that the individual suspected of the hit-and-run had his Infiniti removed from the Zoom Zoom gas station following the incident.
Law enforcement officials utilized the surveillance footage to enhance their description of the individual believed to be driving, noted for wearing a shirt that suggested employment with a pool service.
November 15-
Authorities obtained surveillance footage showing the Infiniti at the Zoom Zoom gas station. The footage captured the suspect’s vehicle being towed, as well as a woman arriving at the store, later identified as the suspect’s girlfriend.
On November 22, law enforcement officials communicated with the towing company regarding the Infiniti involved in the accident. Images supplied by the towing service corresponded with the details of the suspect’s car.
A comprehensive description of the suspect was given by the tow truck driver, aligning perfectly with the footage captured by the gas station’s surveillance system.
On November 23, authorities arrived at the residence in Riverview where the Infiniti was located. A truck parked beside that car was affiliated with the same pool company, as indicated by the name displayed on the suspect’s shirt captured in the gas station surveillance footage.
A 21-year-old man named Alexander Elliott, who answered the door, fit the description of the suspected driver. Elliott acknowledged that he owned the vehicle parked under the cover, but asserted that he was not behind the wheel during the incident.
Troopers noted that Elliott seemed anxious during their conversation and hesitated to respond to specific inquiries.
On November 28, the victim reported to FHP that Elliott continued to operate his work truck and had altered his appearance by shaving his face.
Authorities concluded they possessed sufficient evidence to pinpoint Elliott as the driver involved in the hit-and-run incident.
On December 3, authorities apprehended Elliott, facing allegations of fleeing the scene of an accident resulting in serious injuries and engaging in reckless driving that caused serious bodily harm.
Records from the correctional facility indicate Elliott was released from jail on December 5.