Central Florida Hit-and-Run Crash Suspect in U.S. Illegally

Polk County Sheriff's Office arrested Jose Valero-Colina, who was in the country illegally, for leaving the scene of a crash.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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A Central Florida hit-and-run crash suspect was in the United States illegally. Jose Valero-Colina, a Venezuelan national, was recently arrested by the Polk County Sheriff's Office after rear-ending another vehicle in Davenport and fleeing the scene. Valero-Colina was charged with leaving the scene of a crash, and an immigration detainer was placed on him in jail after authorities confirmed he was in the country illegally.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in dealing with undocumented immigrants who commit crimes, as well as the potential public safety risks when individuals evade responsibility for car crashes. It also raises questions about immigration enforcement and the role local police play in cooperating with federal authorities.

The details

According to the Polk County Sheriff's Office, Valero-Colina rear-ended another vehicle that was stopped at a stop sign in Davenport. The victim called 911, and deputies later located Valero-Colina at his residence in Orlando. His wife admitted he had been involved in the crash and fled out of fear. Valero-Colina later turned himself in and admitted to striking the other vehicle and leaving the scene.

  • The hit-and-run crash occurred on March 8, 2026 in Davenport, Florida.
  • Valero-Colina was arrested shortly after the incident.

The players

Jose Valero-Colina

A Venezuelan national who was in the United States illegally and was arrested for leaving the scene of a hit-and-run crash in Davenport, Florida.

Polk County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that investigated the hit-and-run crash and arrested Valero-Colina.

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What they’re saying

“Our roads are safer when everyone follows the law. Leaving the scene of a crash puts others at risk, and we will always hold offenders accountable.”

— Grady Judd, Polk County Sheriff (westorlandonews.com)

What’s next

Valero-Colina will face criminal charges for leaving the scene of the crash, as well as potential immigration-related consequences due to his illegal status in the United States.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the complex intersection of immigration enforcement and public safety, as local law enforcement must balance responding to crimes committed by undocumented individuals while also cooperating with federal immigration authorities.