Willow Oak, FL – Six men from Guatemala were arrested after a 21-year-old man was struck and killed in a hit-and-run outside a Polk County mobile home park, authorities said.
Deputies responded to the Willow Oak Mobile Home Park early Sunday morning after receiving a 911 call reporting the man’s death inside his residence. When investigators arrived, they determined the victim’s injuries were consistent with being run over by a vehicle.
Detectives learned that a large party had taken place Saturday night outside one of the trailers, with witnesses reporting heavy alcohol consumption. According to investigators, the victim was lying in a driveway when 52-year-old Ponciano Cinto-Ramirez got into a van, put it in reverse, and backed over him before driving away. Despite witnesses yelling that he had struck the man, Cinto-Ramirez allegedly left the scene and went inside a nearby trailer.
Deputies said several people inside the trailer initially refused to cooperate. Some provided false identification, and all six men were later found to be in the country illegally from Guatemala.
The following arrests were made:
- Ponciano Cinto-Ramirez, 52 – charged with leaving the scene of a crash involving death, driving without a license causing death, and resisting arrest.
- Alfredo Cinto-Ramirez, 48 – charged with resisting arrest and giving false information to law enforcement.
- Rigoberto Lopez Morales, 22 – charged with resisting arrest.
- Jacinto Lopez Morales, 46 – charged with resisting arrest.
- Leonel Cinto Lopez, 24 – charged with resisting arrest and giving false information to law enforcement.
- Ramiro Cinto Lopez, 23 – charged with resisting arrest, giving false information to law enforcement, and possession of an altered firearm.
Sheriff Grady Judd said all six suspects face felony charges and are being held with ICE detainers for possible deportation.
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Key Points
- A 21-year-old man was fatally struck by a van during a party at a Polk County mobile home park.
- Six Guatemalan nationals were arrested, including the alleged driver, 52-year-old Ponciano Cinto-Ramirez.
- Charges range from leaving the scene of a fatal crash to resisting arrest and possession of an altered firearm.
What began as a late-night gathering ended in tragedy and multiple arrests.