A two-vehicle accident on Saturday evening sent four people to area hospitals in Hillsborough County, stated the Florida Highway Patrol.

  • One of drivers described as 'habitual traffic offender'
  • 1 of 4 injured was airlifted to Tampa General Hospital

At around 10:10 p.m., Lee Lyman Bassett was driving his 1998 Ford F150 on northbound on U.S. 41 in the outside lane when he rear-ended Christian Sanchez's 2004 Chevy Trailblazer, according to FHP.

Sanchez, 20, lost control of his SUV and left the road and overturned along the outside shoulder, while the 30-year-old Bassett was able to stop, but he left the scene on foot, FHP stated.

Bassett is described as a "habitual traffic offender" and was caught on unrelated warrants by the Manatee County Sheriff's office, according to FHP, but it was not stated when he was caught.

Bassett is expected to face hit and run charges, the FHP stated, adding it is not known if alcohol played a part in the accident.

While Bassett, of North Port, was not injured, Sanchez and a 17-year-old passenger were taken to St. Joseph's Hospital South for minor injuries.

A 13-year-old boy was airlifted to Tampa General Hospital for serious injuries and 18-year-old Reynaldo Rodriguez received minor injuries and taken to Blake Medical Center.

Sanchez and his passengers are all from Ruskin and were wearing seatbelts.