Man charged with DUI manslaughter in July 4 crash

TAMPA — A Tampa woman was killed by a drunken driver late Sunday night as she neared home at the Lake Carlton Arms apartment, officials said.

Gina Villegas, 42, was headed east on Van Dyke Road when a truck traveling westbound veered into her path, slamming into the front of her 2000 Chrysler van, according to Hillsborough County sheriff's officials.

A third car then rammed into the back of Villegas's van, reports say.

Deputies arrested the driver of the 2003 Nissan pickup truck, Albino Martinez, and charged him with DUI manslaughter and two counts of DUI with property damage.

The accident occurred at 11:17 p.m., just moments from Villegas' home.

The car that had been traveling behind Villegas was driven by Luis Rivera of Tampa.

Rivera, who turned 20 that day, had two passengers in his car. All three were taken to local hospitals for treatment of non life-threatening injuries.

Villegas was pronounced dead at St. Joseph's hospital.

Martinez, of 5418 Drift Tide Drive in New Port Richey, was also hospitalized.

His driving record shows he was charged in 2003 with driving with a license that had been canceled, suspended or revoked.

In 2004, he was charged with leaving the scene of a crash with property damage.

Dong-Phuong Nguyen can be reached at (813)909-4613 or nguyen@sptimes.com.