Driver Accused Of Fleeing Dramatic Crash Scene Turns Himself In

TAMPA, FL — The driver of a vehicle accused of leaving the scene of a dramatic accident with major property damage has turned himself into the Florida Highway Patrol.

Stephen Strader, 35, of Zephyrhills has been charged with leaving the scene of a crash with property damage as well as two felony battery warrants issued by the Pasco County Sheriff's Office.

According to the FHP, at 11:15 a.m. Sunday, a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck was traveling south on Interstate 275 and exited the interstate at Fletcher Avenue. Once on the exit ramp, troopers said Strader lost control of the truck. The truck entered the west shoulder, collided with a chain-link fence, crossed over Central Avenue and collided with a utility pole supporting power lines.

The utility pole broke into two parts, with one portion piercing the truck's windshield and the other section collapsing to the ground and catching fire.

After colliding with the utility pole, the truck collided with another fence and finally a tree adjacent to Central Avenue.

Following the crash, troopers said Strader fled the scene of the crash on foot.