An investigation into a deadly hit-and-run incident at the Willow Oak Mobile Home Park in Florida took an unexpected turn when police discovered six Guatemalan men living in the U.S. illegally. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office began their inquiry after receiving a 911 call about a 21-year-old man found dead in his home early on a Sunday morning. Upon arrival, deputies noted that the man’s injuries appeared consistent with being run over by a vehicle, prompting a deeper investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
The sheriff’s Traffic Unit learned that the incident occurred during a party at one of the trailers in the park, where alcohol was being consumed. Witnesses reported that the victim was lying in the driveway when Ponciano Cinto-Ramirez, aged 52, reversed a parked van and struck him, continuing to drive away despite the crowd’s attempts to alert him. After the incident, the victim was dragged into the home, though the details of this action remain unclear.
When deputies attempted to question Cinto-Ramirez at a nearby trailer, they encountered several individuals who initially resisted cooperation. Eventually, they came outside, but two provided false identification. During the investigation, it was revealed that all six men present were in the U.S. illegally, which led to enhanced charges related to the incident.
Cinto-Ramirez faces multiple felony charges, including resisting arrest, driving without a license leading to death, and leaving the scene of a fatal crash. The other men present also received charges for various offenses, primarily related to resisting arrest and providing false information to law enforcement. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd emphasized that the case has serious implications for the individuals involved, who are now subject to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) holds.
The tragic event reflects a broader issue within the community, as reports indicate that the sheriff’s office has dealt with numerous calls regarding large gatherings at the Willow Oak Mobile Home Park in the past. However, it remains unclear if the current group of individuals had been previously reported. Sheriff Judd succinctly summarized the situation, highlighting how “a neighborhood party ended up with a 21-year-old man dead” while illegal immigrants face potential deportation.
This incident not only underscores the serious consequences of illegal immigration but also raises questions about community safety and compliance with laws related to alcohol consumption and vehicular conduct. The investigation continues as authorities seek to untangle the events leading up to this fatal incident and address the implications for those involved.
