Tampa Police were dispatched to the report of a traffic crash at 4:15 AM Thursday when the driver of a blue Honda crashed into a silver Infiniti that had run out of gas – striking the car and two of the occupants who were outside the vehicle at the time.
Officers arrived to find the victims with injuries ranging from non-life-threatening to critical. Emergency first aid was immediately rendered.
It is reported that the Infiniti, driven by a 20-year-old male ran out of gas as it crossed eastbound across the Gandy Bridge. Upon pulling to the left shoulder of the road and exiting, the driver stated that he could see what appeared to be a drunk driver swerving from side to side and headed in their direction. He attempted to warn his companions; however, the subsequent crash killed a 15-year-old female as she was standing outside of passenger side of the car. The rear, driver side passenger, a 20-year old male, sustained a minor injury to his left leg after it was pinned between the guardrail and vehicle. A 17-year-old female, seated in the rear passenger seat, suffered minor injuries.
The driver of the 2021 blue Honda Accord, later identified as 28-year-old Sebastian Gutierrez, remained on the scene with no apparent injuries; however, he was demonstrating signs of apparent impairment. Gutierrez was transported to Hillsborough County Jail, charged with DUI Manslaughter
Eastbound lanes on the Gandy Bridge were closed until 9:35 AM as the investigation was conducted.
Next of kin has been notified.