Wrong-Way Driver Causes Series Of Crashes Along Interstate 4

TAMPA, FL — A 28-year-old Tampa man has been arrested after being accused of driving the wrong way on Interstate 4, causing several vehicles to swerve and crash to avoid hitting him head on.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, on Saturday at 6:20 a.m., Terrence Murphy was driving a white 2011 Dodge Journey east in the westbound lanes of Interstate 4.

One vehicle took evasive action to avoid colliding with Murphy and crashed into a barrier wall. Another westbound vehicle collided with an adjacent westbound vehicle to avoid Murphy. And a third vehicle crashed into highway barriers to prevent a head-on collision with Murphy.

Troopers said Murphy didn't stop for any of the crashes. Instead, he continued driving nearly to County Line Road at the Polk County line before he was pulled over by Hillsborough County sheriff's deputies after nearly colliding with one deputy.

Although deputies said he appeared intoxicated, he refused to take a breath test.

The highway patrol charged him with multiple counts of DUI property damage, leaving the scene of a crash with property damage, leaving the scene of a crash with injury, reckless driving with property damage and driving in the wrong direction.