Driver flees after striking bicyclist near Mobile Villa Drive
December 20, 2025 | Hillsborough, FL
A 38-year-old man lost his life in a hit-and-run incident involving a bicycle and an SUV in Hillsborough County.
Lijah Ibin Muhammad-Roomes, 34, of Tampa, was arrested after a hit-and-run that killed a bicyclist on U.S. 92 east of Mobile Villa Drive in Hillsborough County.
What Happened in the Crash?
The Florida Highway Patrol reported that the collision occurred around 10:40 p.m. on Dec. 20 along U.S. 92, east of Mobile Villa Drive. The victim was cycling when struck by a 2001 Honda Passport driven by 34-year-old Lijah Ibin Muhammad-Roomes. The man died at the scene, and the driver fled.
- Location: U.S. 92, east of Mobile Villa Drive, Hillsborough County, Florida
- Time: Approximately 10:40 p.m.
- Vehicles Involved: Bicycle and 2001 Honda Passport SUV
- Outcome: Victim pronounced dead on-site, and driver arrested later
Arrest and Investigation Details
Authorities apprehended Muhammad-Roomes at his Tampa residence on Monday following the crash. The suspected vehicle was recovered, leading to charges of leaving the scene of a fatal crash. The investigation continues to uncover additional factors.
Why Do Hit-and-Run Crashes Occur?
Hit-and-run incidents remain a significant concern in Florida. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, 2023 saw 104,273 such crashes, resulting in 271 deaths and 871 serious injuries. Common reasons include driver intoxication, unlicensed operation, or fear of legal consequences.
Year |
Total Hit-and-Run Crashes |
Fatalities |
Serious Injuries |
|---|
2023 |
104,273 |
271 |
871 |
Data sourced from Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Under state law, drivers must remain at the scene of any crash causing damage, injury, or death.
Legal Insights
In cases such as this, thorough investigations are essential to establish accountability.
“Road conditions, signage visibility, and lighting play key roles in motor vehicle crashes and must be examined closely,” said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal and a national analyst with Newsline. “Proper resources help prove negligence and support families seeking justice.”
- Independent investigations protect victim rights in hit-and-run scenarios.
- Factors like weather and visibility often contribute to these tragedies.
- Legal support ensures comprehensive review of evidence.
Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal, emphasized family protections:
“Relatives deserve advocacy to navigate investigations and pursue rightful claims for loss and distress.”
Potential Wrongful Death Claims
Families of those killed in such accidents may pursue wrongful death actions for companionship loss, pain, suffering, and emotional effects. Newsline underscores the importance of consulting experienced counsel promptly.
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If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a hit-and-run, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free, no-obligation consultation.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).