DAVENPORT, FL — A 26-year-old Haines City man has been arrested on DUI manslaughter and other charges after investigators said he was driving 117 mph while impaired in a 25-mph zone before a crash that killed his 28-year-old female passenger earlier this year.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office said Erasmo Rodriguez was arrested Thursday, Aug. 13, after recovering from injuries he suffered in the May 22 crash. According to detectives, a blood sample taken immediately after the crash showed Rodriguez had a blood alcohol level of .18, more than twice Florida’s legal limit of .08. Surveillance footage also showed Rodriguez drinking several alcoholic beverages at a nearby bar before the crash, according to PCSO.
Investigators said data recovered from the vehicle’s crash data recorder showed Rodriguez was traveling 117 mph when the crash occurred. The roadway had a posted speed limit of 25 mph and included a curve.
The crash happened around 2:34 a.m. near Home Run Boulevard and Westview Road in Davenport. Investigators said Rodriguez was driving a 2019 BMW westbound on Home Run Boulevard when he lost control while entering the curve. The BMW left the roadway, struck a power pole, traveled down a slope and rolled multiple times.
Rodriguez and the 28-year-old rear passenger were ejected from the vehicle. A 31-year-old front passenger, who investigators said was the only person wearing a seat belt, remained inside.
The 28-year-old woman was transported to a hospital, where she later died from her injuries. Rodriguez was also hospitalized, while the front passenger was evaluated and cleared at the scene. Detectives also determined Rodriguez’s driver’s license had been suspended since December 2025.
“Driving 117 miles per hour in a 25-mile-per-hour zone while impaired is reckless and deadly,” Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said. “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.”
After Rodriguez was released from the hospital, detectives arrested him on charges of DUI manslaughter, vehicular homicide, knowingly driving with a suspended license involving death, and DUI with property damage or personal injury to another.
SOURCE: POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
