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© St. Petersburg Times, published September 3, 2002
Woman dies in auto crash; man charged
A 44-year-old woman from Wimauma was killed Sunday morning in a head-on collision on U.S. 301, just north of the Manatee County line.
Christina Castelan, of 2613 Glendale Drive, died at the scene, according to Florida Highway Patrol troopers.
Federico Merced-Sanchez, 21, was driving a 1994 Ford southbound when he crossed the center line, ramming into the 1999 Ford in which Castelan was a passenger.
Sanchez and his passenger, Pablo Farfanvalent, also 21, left the vehicle after the crash and ran, troopers said. They were later found by county deputies.
Sanchez was arrested and charged with leaving the scene of an accident involving death. Troopers said alcohol was involved and further charges are pending. Both men live at 3221 Lenfred Drive in Wimauma.
Farfanvalent suffered minor injuries and was taken to Southbay Hospital. The driver of the 1999 Ford, Epifanio Mendez-Pardon, 39, was treated at the scene.
TAMPA -- A 54-year old man in a wheelchair trying to cross westbound Bruce B. Downs Boulevard was killed early Monday in a hit-and-run accident, Hillsborough County sheriff's deputies said.
The man, whose identity was not released pending notification of his family, had almost reached the edge of the street about 3 a.m. when the car struck him and sent him flying, deputies said. He died at the scene.
Deputies think the vehicle was a Mitsubishi and said it appears the driver tried to avoid the man by swerving. Officials ask the public for help in identifying the vehicle, which had front end damage. Tipsters can call (813) 247-8200.