Florida Highway Patrol troopers have arrested a 16-year-old in connection with Tuesday morning's fatal crash on southbound I-75 in Sarasota.
The Lakewood Ranch teenager was charged with leaving the scene of an accident with death, as well as violation of learner's license restriction.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the tanker, which was loaded with 8,500 gallons of gasoline, was traveling south in the outside lane of I-75 just before 4:30 a.m. The teenager was driving in the same lane in front of the tanker.
Investigators say the front of the tanker struck the rear of the teenager's car, then veered onto the west grass shoulder, overturned and burst into flames.
The driver of the tanker, 53-year-old Robert Drewelus, was declared dead at the scene. His wife said they were about to celebrate their first wedding anniversary.
"My Robert was a wonderful man," said Elsie Nieves-Drewelus. "He was 6’ 4’’ but he had a heart of gold. He was a big teddy bear. My giant teddy bear. He was full of life and we had so many plans ahead of us."
Troopers say the teenager left the scene of the crash. Investigators later found the vehicle at an apartment complex in the area of North Cattleman Road.
The teen driver was later found at a home in Lakewood Ranch, then taken into custody at about 7 a.m.
"I’m upset, I’m angry that a 16-year-old with just a driver’s permit was on the road at that hour," said Nieves-Drewelus. "If they wouldn’t have been on the road at that hour my husband would still be alive."
Both directions of I-75 were initially closed after the crash. The northbound lanes were later reopened. Southbound traffic was diverted off the highway at University Parkway until about 7:30 a.m.
The investigation continues.
In accordance with our Crime Guidelines, we are not identifying the teenager, as it is not known whether he will be charged as an adult.