Driver in Tampa road-rage video faces multiple charges

FHP says Robert Vance drove car over motorcycle, left scene

TAMPA, Fla. – A Florida man was arrested Monday after driving his car over two people on a motorcycle in an act of road rage, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Robert Vance, 31, of Land O' Lakes, was arrested on charges of aggravated battery and leaving the scene of a crash with injuries.

The incident was captured on cellphone video by a witness, Abe Garcia, who said he saw a car cut off the motorcycle on U.S. Highway 41. When they stopped at a red light, Garcia started recording.

"I knew something was going to go down," Garcia told WFTS, the ABC affiliate in Tampa. "I didn't know (it would be) that extreme at all."

Garcia said the motorcyclist and the driver of the car exchanged words moments before the incident.

The video shows the car driving over the motorcycle, knocking the motorcyclist and his passenger to the concrete.

Witnesses followed the car and gave troopers the license plate number.

According to an FHP report, Vance admitted to hitting the motorcycle and leaving the scene. The report said Vance's car had damage consistent with the hit-and-run crash.

The FHP said Vance is a habitual traffic offender. He also faces a charge of driving with a suspended license as a habitual offender.

Both people on the motorcycle were taken to a hospital and are expected to be OK.


About the Author:

Peter Burke returned for a second stint of duty at Local 10 News in February 2014.