Davenport Fatal Crash: Illegal Immigrant Arrested After Woman Killed in Polk County Collision

Illegal Immigrant Arrested After Woman Killed in Polk County Collision / Polk County Sheriff's Office

Staff Reporter | iSkyNews.com (ISC News)

Published July 23rd, 2025

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Davenport Fatal Crash: Illegal Immigrant Arrested After Woman Killed in Polk County Collision

DAVENPORT, FL – The Polk County Sheriff's Office has arrested 45-year-old Billado Mendez, an illegal immigrant from Mexico, in connection with a fatal crash early Tuesday morning that claimed the life of a 34-year-old woman and left another seriously injured.

The crash occurred near the intersection of Snell Creek Road and Power Line Road in Davenport. According to investigators, a white Ford F-250 work truck was heading north on Power Line Road when a silver Toyota truck, driven by Mendez and carrying two female passengers, ran a stop sign at the intersection. The F-250 collided directly with the driver’s side of the Toyota, causing both vehicles to crash into a nearby yard. The Toyota flipped onto its roof upon impact.

Tragically, one of the female passengers — identified as Heydi Maricela Funes Inestroza, 34, of Davenport — was not wearing a seatbelt and was pronounced dead at the scene. Another passenger, a 36-year-old woman from Groveland, sustained serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital.

The driver of the F-250, a 45-year-old Haines City resident who is legally in the U.S. on a work authorization card, sustained minor injuries and was also taken to the hospital. Mendez refused medical attention at the scene.

Initially, Mendez attempted to mislead investigators, claiming the deceased woman had been driving at the time of the crash. However, evidence revealed Mendez was the driver, leading deputies to arrest him for:

No Valid Driver’s License Involving Death (F2)
Giving False Information to Law Enforcement (F3)

Both charges are enhanced due to his unauthorized immigration status. An ICE hold has been placed on Mendez, who has a prior criminal history, including a previous DUI arrest and a prior charge for driving without a license.

45-year-old Billado Mendez / Polk County Sheriff's Office

"This is a tragic incident that never should have happened," said Sheriff Grady Judd. "Driving without a license endangers lives, and lying to investigators only makes matters worse. What’s especially troubling is that this individual was in our country illegally and had no legal authority to operate a vehicle, yet his reckless decisions led to a woman losing her life.”

Detectives are still trying to locate any next of kin or family to the decedent, 34 year-old Heydi Maricela Funes Inestroza, if you have any information please contact Detective Mendez at 863-668-3105.

📞 If you have any information, please contact Detective Mendez at 863-668-3105.

📰 Full story and updates at:
https://www.iskynews.com

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