Boy, 3, Killed In DUI-Related Crash, Troopers Say

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — The Florida Highway Patrol has announced the arrest of a 38-year-old Ruskin man after a Wednesday night crash left a 3-year-old boy dead.

According to the patrol, the crash that led to John Rutland’s arrest occurred just before 8 p.m. Feb. 1. Rutland was driving a Toyota Camry southbound from 27th Street Southeast, attempting to travel across State Road 674, a highway patrol report said. At that time, Marabella Valencia-Bustos, 20, of Wimauma was heading east on State Road 674.

Troopers say Rutland entered the intersection and went into the path of Valencia-Bustos’ vehicle. The crash caused Valencia-Bustos’ vehicle to overturn.

Troopers say all seven occupants of Valencia-Bustos' Chevrolet were taken to Tampa General Hospital following the crash. Jacob Bustos, 3, later died from his injuries. A 5-year-old boy, infant girl, 1-year-old boy and 10-year-old girl were also injured.

Rutland was not injured in the crash, nor were two children in his vehicle, the report said.

Rutland’s arrest on DUI manslaughter and DUI with injury charges was announced Thursday morning.

Photo courtesy of the Florida Highway Patrol