(just a random suv photo)
Posted on 04/27/2005 3:36:48 AM PDT by Cincinatus' Wife
TAMPA - Vincent Edward Tucker refused to get out of the fast lane when a man driving a large, black SUV pulled up behind him honking the horn on the Courtney Campbell Parkway Tuesday morning.
Tampa police say that's when the road rage began.
The SUV was relentless, and Tucker just wouldn't budge, witnesses said. They told investigators that the SUV's driver and Tucker got into a "heated argument" while traveling westbound on the Courtney Campbell, police spokeswoman Laura McElroy said. Gestures were exchanged by both, possibly even words, she said.
The black SUV eventually got into the right lane and passed Tucker's silver Isuzu Rodeo, then veered back into the fast lane, cutting him off, McElroy said. Tucker tried to avoid hitting the SUV by slamming on his brakes.
McElroy said the two vehicles never collided, but Tucker's maneuver caused his Rodeo to flip, and he was ejected because he wasn't wearing a seat belt. He later died in surgery at Tampa General Hospital.
The SUV driver never stopped.
"We have road rage. We have a hit and run. We have somebody who is dead," McElroy said. "And we have to find who is responsible."
The accident happened about 11:30 a.m. between the Ben T. Davis beach and a boat ramp west of there. McElroy said police hit-and-run detectives believe the SUV driver was a man, based on information from the only two drivers who had come forward with details Tuesday afternoon.
McElroy could only describe the hit-and-run vehicle as "a shiny, full-size SUV."
"This is a very serious accident, a very serious crime, and we have to find this driver," McElroy said. "We're going to assume that this is going to weigh very heavily on the conscience of the person involved."
McElroy said the driver of the black SUV had to have known that Tucker's vehicle flipped. She said she hopes that if he talks with family members or friends about the incident, they will call police.
Vincent Tucker, 33, lived at 7101 Lawnview Court with his mother, Glenda Tucker. A woman who answered the door at their Town 'N Country home Tuesday evening said the family did not wish to speak with reporters.
Cynthia Alvarez, who lives across the street from the Tuckers, has a son a year older than Vincent Tucker.
She said she often spoke with Tucker's mother because their sons had a lot in common.
"Vince is a very quiet person," she said. "He is either at work or back home."
Alvarez has known Tucker and his mother since they both moved into the neighborhood about four years ago. Before living in Florida, the Tucker family lived in North Carolina, according to state records.
Alvarez said Tucker spent most of his time watching television or using the computer.
He worked in Pinellas County for a company that made hotel reservations, she said. And whenever she or her son needed anything, like the time her car broke down, Tucker and his mother offered to help.
"I would like that driver to please come forward," Alvarez said. "There is just no reason why anyone would do something so stupid in the road that would take someone's life."
Detectives ask that anyone who may have information about the SUV driver call Tampa police at (813) 276-3578.
Times researcher Cathy Wos contributed to this story. Kevin Graham can be reached at 813 226-3433 or kgraham@sptimes.com
(just a random suv photo)
No we don't. Where was the "hit" part?
The vehicles never touched; how can it be hit and run?
If your in the fast lane, either pass someone or get the he!! out of the way.
Not condoning Road Rage, btw.
Wrong! The driver of the SUV is more than likely one of those "Hooray for me and s--t on everybody else" types. He could care less what happens to the other guy.
I thought SUVs were safe?
Just scanned this article, but it doesn't seem to include the fact that he was ejected from the car when it rolled and that's how his injuries were sustained. They said on the news last night that he was not wearing his seat belt.
I always thought SUV's were OK when you only had to associate with the individual article. It was when they got together and formed job lots that you needed to worry. This story tells me that the peril just ratcheted up a notch.
I don't want to minimize the tragedy, but how fast does a Rodeo need to be going for it to flip? Was the road rage contageous in this case?
And where might that be?
We know your type ~ you get out on I 495 where there are half a dozen LEFT exit ramps and try to disrupt the normal flow of traffic with stupid tricks.
There's a posted speed limit. Follow it. BTW, folks carry in Virginia!
Here's a link to local TV news station stating the guy was ejected from the car.
http://www.baynews9.com/content/36/2005/4/26/79439.html
Not condoning Road Rage, btw.
I agree. This guy was squatting in the fast lane and decided to fight with an agressive driver. Pretty bad judgement on his part. As if this weren't bad enough, he wasn't strapped in and got ejected in the crash. A possible Darwin Award candidate.
I like how the article attributes human-like qualities to the "black SUV". I can't help but picture some driverless, demon car stalking the highways.
If this jackass had been driving conscientiously in the first place the rage probably wouldn't have happened. He would probably still be alive if he had worn his seat belt. Clowns like this make freeway driving a pain in the @ss. No regard for the fast lane/slow lane/merge system.
You know what I mean. You don't have to get in the left lane 15 miles before and exit. BTW, make my day.
Yeah, but that's a reasonable, considerate and decent thing to do.
What's the matter with you?!?!?!?!?!?!?
I see this in Florida more than other states. People just squat in the left lane for miles and miles, often riding even with the vehicle in the right lane.
"I am the keeper of the speed, none shall exceed my velocity."
Hello - you are not the only car on the road, move over and share the pavement, pal.
That's the philosophy on the Autobahns. Too many American drivers lack the common sense to 'just drive.'
The last time I looked, the Isuzu Rodeo is also classified as an SUV. Funny how the article only refers to the "bad" guy as driving an SUV.
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