Teen Arrested in Deadly I-75 Hit-and-Run near Bradenton

BRADENTON, Fla. — Florida Highway Patrol troopers arrested 18-year-old Jonathan Matos Morales of Cocoa on Monday evening following a deadly hit-and-run crash on Interstate 75 southbound near Exit 220, just south of State Road 64. The incident unfolded at 6:28 a.m. on April 20, 2026, when a dark-colored 2022 Ford Mustang, described as black with rear louvers and possibly a stick camera, swerved from the left lane into the middle lane and struck a Chevrolet Trailblazer driven by a 63-year-old Palmetto resident.[1][3][7] The impact shoved the Trailblazer into the path of a semi tractor-trailer, causing the big rig to overturn across all southbound lanes and come to rest on its top in the median. The 34-year-old truck driver from New Smyrna Beach was pronounced dead at the scene, while the Trailblazer driver sustained minor injuries. Video evidence released by FHP captured the Mustang weaving through traffic, colliding with the SUV, and the ensuing chaos before the hit-and-run driver stopped briefly and fled southbound, wearing a grey hoodie with a stocky build.[1][2][3] Troopers quickly located and impounded the Mustang, leading to Matos Morales' arrest on charges of vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of a crash involving death. He was booked into Manatee County Jail as the investigation continues. FHP Trooper Watson emphasized the crash was preventable, stating the Mustang's reckless lane changes initiated the fatal sequence.[2][3] The wreck blocked I-75 southbound for about six hours, snarling morning rush-hour traffic through Bradenton and into Sarasota County until lanes reopened early Monday afternoon. I-75 serves as a vital artery for Florida's Gulf Coast, connecting Tampa Bay commuters to points south amid growing freight traffic.[6][9]