Tampa Deputies Arrest Driver and Passenger After Finding Kids in Moving U-Haul

Hillsborough County deputies arrested Arian Hernandez and Vilmarie Diaz on November 7 after a 911 caller reported two unresponsive adults inside a U-Haul van. The incident occurred around 7:35 a.m. at a gas station in the 6300 block of North Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa.

According to the sheriff's office, officers found Diaz, 46, slumped in the passenger seat. Her two children were in the back of the van without restraints. As deputies moved toward the driver's side, the vehicle began rolling forward. They signaled Hernandez, 44, to stop and exit the vehicle. Officers noted he had red, glossy eyes and appeared unsteady on his feet.

Hernandez was booked into custody on a charge of driving under the influence. Diaz appeared disoriented when she left the van. Deputies discovered narcotics on the passenger seat next to her. A search of the vehicle revealed methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and prescription pills. One bottle of the muscle relaxant methocarbamol was unsecured and within reach of the children.

The sheriff's office stated the van contained no child safety seats. Investigators indicated the family appeared to be living in the vehicle. A family member took custody of the two children following the arrest.

Diaz faces two counts each of child abuse, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of a drug without a prescription. She also faces a charge for possessing drug paraphernalia. The investigation remains active as of the latest report.

Deputies said the initial 911 call described the two adults as unresponsive. The response led to the discovery of the two children and the various substances inside the moving vehicle.