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Tampa, FL (August 28, 2026) – Two teens were arrested Wednesday after troopers said they were involved in multiple hit-and-run accidents while driving a stolen vehicle. The crashes began around 8 a.m. on I-275 near the Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd exit.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, 16-year-old Jeffrey Bettis and 17-year-old Braden Wallace were in a white Kia Soul that struck stopped traffic. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but the pair allegedly fled.
While fleeing, the Kia was reportedly involved in four hit-and-run collisions along the interstate. Bettis and Wallace later abandoned the vehicle and ran on foot before they were found and taken into custody.
Further investigation determined the Kia had been stolen from Pasco County the previous night. Investigators found gloves, a black beanie, and a jack tool inside the vehicle, while the ignition had been ripped out.
Bettis, who was identified as the driver, faces a grand theft of a motor vehicle charge. Wallace was charged with burglary and use of a motor vehicle.
The circumstances surrounding the four hit-and-run crashes remain under investigation. Our thoughts are with anyone hurt or affected by the collisions.
What Should Drivers Do After a Hit-and-Run Collision?
A hit-and-run occurs when a driver involved in a traffic collision leaves without stopping to provide required information or assistance. Drivers who are struck should move to a safe position when possible and contact emergency services if anyone needs immediate help.
Important details can include the other vehicle’s make, model, color, license plate, direction of travel, and visible damage. Witnesses may also be able to provide useful information about what happened.
Drivers should avoid chasing a vehicle that leaves the site. Instead, they can provide law enforcement with identifying details and preserve available photographs or other evidence. Dashcam footage, nearby surveillance cameras, and witness accounts may help establish the sequence of events.
