Following a detailed investigation, Tampa Police Detectives identified 29-year-old Bellina R Rossie as the suspect in the October 16 fatal hit-and-run crash that left a 43-year-old Hispanic male dead.
“Our thoughts are with the family of the man who was tragically taken from our community in this senseless tragedy,” said Chief Lee Bercaw. “It is imperative for everyone on our shared roadways that all drivers operate their vehicles responsibly and follow all traffic laws in a safe manner. I am proud of the dedication and hard work that our detectives put into solving this case and providing the family of this man with a small sense of closure."
In the early morning of October 16, Tampa Police responded to a report of a body lying in the grass in the 2600 block of Causeway Boulevard. The victim was found deceased. His cause of death was determined to be severe blunt force trauma as a result of being struck by a vehicle.
Detectives later recovered the suspect vehicle, a black 2016 Honda Civic, parked at Rossie’s apartment complex in Riverview, FL with damage to the front bumper, passenger-side front quarter panel, windshield, and roof. There was also blue transfer paint from the bicycle on the front bumper/quarter panel.
Following up on additional evidence, detectives arrested Rossie on October 25, 2023, and charged her with Leaving the Scene of a Crash with Death. She is currently being held at Falkenburg Road Jail.