Haines City Man Arrested for DUI Manslaughter in Fatal Davenport Crash

Polk County Sheriff's Office detectives arrested a Haines City man Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in connection with a fatal vehicle crash on May 22, 2026, in Davenport. Erasmo Rodriguez, 26, faces charges including DUI Manslaughter for the incident that killed his 28-year-old female passenger.

Deputies arrested Rodriguez after he recovered from injuries sustained in the crash. A blood sample taken immediately after the collision showed his blood alcohol level at .18, more than double the legal limit of .08. Investigators also reviewed surveillance footage showing Rodriguez consuming alcohol at a local bar before the crash. Further investigation revealed his driver's license had been suspended since December 2025.

The vehicle's crash data recorder indicated Rodriguez was traveling 117 mph in a 25 mph zone with a curve at the time of the crash. Sheriff Grady Judd stated, “Driving 117 miles per hour in a 25-mile-per-hour zone while impaired is reckless and deadly. This suspect made the choice to drink and drive, and an innocent 28-year-old passenger paid the ultimate price. We hope this arrest brings some measure of justice to her loved ones.”

Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Rodriguez. Following his hospital release, he was charged with DUI Manslaughter (F2), Vehicular Homicide (F2), knowingly driving while license was suspended involving death (F3), and DUI with property damage/personal injury to another (M1). The investigation into the single-vehicle crash near the intersection of Home Run Boulevard and Westview Road began May 22, 2026, after a 2019 BMW lost control, struck a power pole and rolled multiple times. The 28-year-old rear passenger was ejected and died from her injuries at a local hospital. The driver and a front passenger were also ejected; the front passenger, who wore a seatbelt, was cleared at the scene.