Man Who Caused Fatal Crash In Mulberry In Country Illegally: Sheriff

MULBERRY, FL — A 24-year-old illegal immigrant from Guatemala has been charged with causing an accident that resulted in the deaths of two people.

Polk County Sheriff's Office detectives arrested Elmer Bryan Giron-Canil and charged him with negligently operating a motor vehicle, causing two deaths, and driving without a driver's license.

On May 9, deputies from the Polk County Sheriff's Office, along with Polk County Fire Rescue, were dispatched at 5:41 a.m. to the crash scene on State Road 60 West near the intersection of Pine Grove Road in Willow Oak near Mulberry.

Upon arrival, a 33-year-old man who was a passenger in a silver 2007 Ford Expedition that was driven by Canil was found dead. A second passenger, a 62-year-old man, was taken to an area hospital where he died from his injuries.

Related: 2 Dead, Bartow High Senior Critically Injured In Polk County Crash

Four other passengers in Canil’s Expedition taken to area hospitals where they were treated for injuries. Two were listed in stable condition and one in critical condition.

The second driver, an 18-year-old Bartow High School student, who was driving a red 1996 Chevrolet 1500 pickup truck, was transported to the hospital where she was reported in stable condition.

Based on evidence and witness statements, detectives have so far determined that the pickup truck was traveling east on S.R. 60 West. At the same time, Canil was driving west on S.R. 60 West and entered the left turn lane in the median.

As the pickup approached, Canil attempted to turn south onto Pine Grove Road and pulled into the path of the pickup truck, striking the passenger side. The impact caused the pickup to spin around and stop facing west in the eastbound travel lanes. The Expedition also spun and four of the passengers, who were not wearing seatbelts, were ejected from the SUV with two dying at the scene.

Canil told detectives that he saw the headlights of the Chevrolet approaching, but thought he could make it across. He also said he did not have a driver’s license because he was in the country illegally.

“Not only is Canil in the country illegally, but his criminal actions have cost two people their lives and caused catastrophic injuries to others. Our prayers are with the victims and families affected by this horrific crash.” Sheriff Grady Judd said.

Canil was taken to an area hospital where he was treated for minor injuries and then transported to the Polk County Jail.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement completed an immigration detainer for Canil after confirming he is illegally in the U.S.