FHP: Driver Arrested After Hit-and-Run Crash Seriously Injures Motorcyclist in Hillsborough County

By Ciara Perez, Senior Multimedia Correspondent

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — A 45-year-old Riverview man was arrested Thursday morning after Florida Highway Patrol troopers say he caused a crash that seriously injured a motorcyclist, fled the scene, removed his vehicle's license plate and attempted to conceal it.

The crash occurred at approximately 10:30 a.m. on September 3, 2026, on State Road 574, east of Chastain Road, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Investigators said a Ford Fusion, driven by Bobby Mwaten, 45, of Riverview, was traveling westbound along the north shoulder of SR-574.

At the same time, a Suzuki motorcycle operated by a 25-year-old Valrico woman was traveling westbound while passing vehicles on the left. According to FHP, the motorcyclist was passing in an area where passing is permitted on the two-lane roadway.

Troopers said Mwaten entered the north shoulder in an attempt to make an improper U-turn across SR-574.

As he began the U-turn, investigators said he failed to observe the approaching motorcycle and failed to yield the right-of-way. The front of the Ford collided with the front of the Suzuki motorcycle.

The impact left the motorcycle heavily damaged and off the roadway in a grassy area. Photos provided by FHP show the blue Suzuki lying on its side near a drainage area with extensive damage.

The motorcyclist suffered serious injuries and was transported to an area hospital for treatment. FHP did not immediately provide additional information about her condition.

Driver Accused of Fleeing and Hiding License Plate

According to FHP, Mwaten did not remain at the crash scene.

Troopers said he fled to 1368 East Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, where Hillsborough County Sheriff's deputies soon detained him.

Investigators allege Mwaten removed the Ford's license plate following the crash and concealed it inside a backpack. Authorities also determined that the Ford Fusion was unregistered.

A photo released by FHP shows the Ford with significant front-end collision damage, including a missing front bumper and damage to the hood and grille area.

Another photograph from the crash scene shows an FHP State Trooper vehicle positioned along SR-574, with the damaged motorcycle visible in the grass off the roadway.

Mwaten was subsequently arrested by FHP troopers on charges of leaving the scene of a crash involving serious bodily injury, tampering with evidence, driving an unregistered motor vehicle, and making an improper U-turn, according to FHP.

The investigation remains with the Florida Highway Patrol.

Source: Florida Highway Patrol, Sgt. Steve Gaskins
Photos: Provided by Florida Highway Patrol (FHP)

Editor’s note: Criminal charges are allegations. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

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