TAMPA, FL – A Tampa doctor faced a Hillsborough County judge Thursday, accused of a fatal hit-and-run involving a man in a wheelchair. Dr. Gwen Norman Crump, a licensed physician with a history of driving under the influence, was arrested after allegedly hitting Richard Taylor, 53, with his pickup truck on October 12, and then fleeing the scene.
The incident occurred on East 124th Avenue, where witnesses reported seeing the driver of a Ford F-250 pickup truck speed away without stopping. Taylor, the victim, was rushed to a local hospital but succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter. Hillsborough County deputies utilized footage from a nearby surveillance camera to trace the vehicle back to Dr. Crump’s residence on Davis Islands.
Upon questioning, Crump explained the damage to his truck, claiming it occurred while attempting to drive over a fallen tree trunk after recent storms. However, deputies noted that the damage was consistent with striking a pedestrian, leading to his arrest.
Despite residing in a Davis Islands home valued at over $2 million, Crump’s public defender informed the court that his income is limited, citing his self-employment status. The judge, considering these claims alongside Crump’s previous legal troubles, set his bond at $2,000.
Dr. Crump’s legal history includes multiple arrests for driving under the influence, with the most recent incident occurring in 2003, followed by a guilty plea to a DUI charge in 2004. The current charges against him have reignited concerns about his driving record and its implications.
The case highlights the intersection of privilege and accountability, as well as the ongoing struggle to ensure justice for vulnerable road users. It also underscores the importance of technology in modern law enforcement, with video evidence playing a crucial role in identifying and apprehending suspects.
As the legal proceedings continue, the community remains watchful, hoping for a resolution that honors the memory of Richard Taylor and addresses the broader issues raised by this tragic event.