News and Investigations

On Thursday, August 13, 2026, PCSO detectives arrested 26-year-old Erasmo Rodriguez of Haines City for DUI Manslaughter and other charges stemming from a vehicle crash that occurred on May 22, 2026, in Davenport that resulted in the death of his 28-year-old female passenger. Rodriguez was taken into custody after recovering from the injuries he himself received in the crash.

A blood sample from Rodriguez was taken immediately following the crash and showed he had a blood alcohol level of .18, which is over twice the legal limit of .08. Video surveillance footage showed him drinking several alcoholic beverages at a nearby bar prior to the crash. Detectives also discovered that his license had been suspended since December of 2025.

During the course of the investigation, detectives reviewed the vehicle’s crash data recorder that showed Rodriguez was traveling at 117 miles per hour at the time of the crash. The area of the crash was a 25 mile per hour zone and had a curve.

“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.”– Grady Judd, Sheriff 

Detectives obtained a warrant for his arrest, and once Rodriguez recovered from his injuries and released from the hospital, he was arrested and 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 original news release is as follows:
The PCSO Traffic Homicide Investigations Unit is investigating a single vehicle crash that resulted in one fatality. The crash occurred on Friday, May 22, 2026, at around 2:34 a.m. near the intersection of Home Run Blvd. and Westview Rd. in Davenport.

According to evidence and witness statements, a 2019 BMW was traveling westbound on Home Run Blvd. As the vehicle entered a curve, the driver, a 26 year old male, lost control, left the roadway, and struck a power pole. The vehicle then continued down a slope and rolled multiple times.

Three people were inside the vehicle. During the rollover, the driver and a 28 year old rear passenger were ejected. The 31 year old front passenger, who was the only occupant wearing a seat belt, remained inside the vehicle.

First responders transported the driver to a local hospital with injuries. The front passenger was evaluated and cleared at the scene. The rear passenger who was ejected was transported to a local hospital, where she later died from her injuries.

The investigation remains ongoing. There are no photos from the scene.