Man in U.S. Illegally Charged After Fleeing Crash Scene in Davenport

Jose Valero-Colina / Photo courtesy of Polk County Sheriff’s Office

By Staff Reporter

iSkyNews.com (ISN) – Published February 9th, 2026

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Suspect in U.S. Illegally Arrested After Hit-and-Run Crash in Davenport

DAVENPORT, Fla. — A man who investigators say is in the United States illegally has been arrested following a hit-and-run crash in Davenport, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies identified the suspect as Jose Valero-Colina, DOB 12/14/1991, who was taken into custody after allegedly rear-ending another vehicle and fleeing the county. Valero-Colina has been charged with Leaving the Scene of a Crash (M1). Under Florida law, the charge was upgraded one level due to his illegal status in the country.

The crash occurred on Friday, January 30, 2026. Investigators say the victim called 911 and reported she had been struck from behind while stopped at a stop sign and attempting to turn south onto Lake Wilson Road. The victim told deputies that a silver Kia hit her vehicle. When she confronted the male driver, he fled southbound on Lake Wilson Road.

Using investigative resources, detectives determined that Valero-Colina lived in Orlando. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, whose deputies responded to the suspect’s residence. Deputies made contact with Valero-Colina’s wife, who admitted that he had been involved in a crash and fled the scene because he was nervous.

While deputies were still on scene, Valero-Colina arrived at the residence driving the silver Kia. He told deputies he would return to Polk County to provide details regarding the crash.

Investigators say Valero-Colina later met with PCSO deputies and admitted that he struck the victim’s vehicle after failing to notice she had stopped at the intersection. He also admitted to fleeing the scene out of fear.

In addition to the criminal charge, Valero-Colina was issued two traffic citations: Failure to Give Information at a Crash and Careless Driving. Deputies contacted Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and confirmed Valero-Colina was in the country illegally. An ICE detainer was placed on him at the jail.

“Our roads are safer when everyone follows the law. Leaving the scene of a crash puts others at risk, and we will always hold offenders accountable,” said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd.

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