Florida Man Accused of DUI After Head-On Crash Leaves Two Seriously Injured in Hillsborough County

A Hillsborough County man is facing multiple felony charges after authorities say he drove under the influence, caused a head-on crash that seriously injured two people, fled the scene, and was later arrested by deputies.

According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the crash occurred late Tuesday night in Tampa and remains under investigation.

What We Know About the Crash

According to investigators, the crash happened at approximately 11:42 p.m. on July 8, 2026, along Turner Road in Tampa.

Authorities reported that:

• Kelly Castleman was driving north on Turner Road when his vehicle collided with a sedan.
• The initial impact caused the sedan to strike an SUV, resulting in a head-on collision.
• The drivers of the sedan and SUV suffered serious and critical injuries.
• Both victims were transported to local hospitals for emergency treatment.

Deputies said Castleman’s vehicle continued north after the collision, crashed through a fence, and came to rest in the backyard of a nearby residence.

Investigators say Castleman then abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene on foot.

Suspect Located and Arrested

According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, deputies located Castleman approximately one mile from his apartment and took him into custody.

Investigators said he later provided breath samples measuring 0.287 and 0.283, both well above Florida’s legal limit of 0.08.

Criminal Charges Filed

Castleman is facing multiple criminal charges, including:

• DUI causing serious bodily injury.
• DUI with a breath-alcohol level of 0.15 or higher and property damage.
• Leaving the scene of a crash involving serious bodily injury.
• Leaving the scene of a crash involving unattended property.

The charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Florida’s DUI Laws

Florida law prohibits operating a motor vehicle with a blood or breath alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher or while impaired by alcohol or controlled substances.

When impaired driving results in serious bodily injury, the offense may be charged as a third-degree felony under Florida Statute §316.193.

Leaving the scene of a crash involving serious bodily injury is also a felony offense under Florida Statute §316.027 and can result in substantial prison time if convicted.

Potential Legal Rights for the Injured Victims

Individuals injured in crashes caused by impaired drivers may have the right to pursue compensation through a personal injury claim.

Depending on the circumstances, injured victims may seek damages for:

• Medical expenses.
• Future medical treatment and rehabilitation.
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity.
• Pain and suffering.
• Property damage.

Civil claims are separate from criminal proceedings and may proceed regardless of the outcome of the criminal case.

The Dangers of Impaired Driving

Alcohol significantly affects judgment, reaction time, coordination, and decision-making, increasing the likelihood of devastating crashes.

According to safety experts, impaired driving remains one of the leading causes of serious and fatal traffic collisions across Florida each year.

Choosing not to drive after consuming alcohol can help prevent life-changing injuries and save lives.

Investigation Continues

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Additional information regarding the conditions of the injured victims or any further legal proceedings may be released as the case moves forward.

Wishing the Victims a Full Recovery

This crash left two people with serious injuries and serves as another reminder of the devastating consequences impaired driving can have on innocent motorists. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families, and we hope they make a full recovery.