Hit-and-run driver kills tow-truck operator on Howard Frankland Bridge

TAMPA (FOX 13) - Troopers have named a driver they are looking for after a tow-truck operator was hit and killed on the northbound Howard Frankland Bridge Monday morning.

The Florida Highway Patrol says the crash happened around 2:20 a.m. just after the hump on the Hillsborough County side of the bridge, where a tow truck driver was loading a disabled vehicle onto his truck. 

Investigators say a Volkswagen Passat sped by, hit the tow truck operator, and then kept going -- leaving the tow truck driver for dead.  He was later identified as Rogelio Perez-Borroto, 43, of Lou's Towing.

"He was an amazing person in everything he's done. One of the most compassionate, caring people I've had the pleasure of coming in contact with," Lou Morales offered.

The driver and passenger of the disabled vehicle were in the tow truck at the time. They were not injured, but they were shaken by the tragedy. 

"I feel very depressed because I've never seen something like that and this is a memory I will not soon forget," witness Adline Joassaint said.

After several hours of searching, troopers found the Passat at the Crown Plaza Hotel near Westshore Mall, which is not far from the crash scene. An FHP spokesman says investigators believe Allison Huffman of Riverview was behind the wheel, and they are still looking for her.

Huffman, 36, has three previous arrests for DUI in Hillsborough County, records show.  Troopers believe she used a taxi this morning and went to the Seminole Hard Rock Casino using the alias "Beth."  

"Why is this system going to allow someone like that to still be on the road?" Morales continued. "Why are you going to do something like that and keep on going?"

The FHP asks anyone with information about her location to call 813-631-4020.