Alcohol suspected as man under house arrest fatally hits trees in Thonotosassa

THONOTOSASSA — A 49-year-old man under house arrest for driving under the influence died early Monday after he crashed into a tree, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.

Alcohol is suspected in the crash.

Elmer Hughie Monroe III was westbound on Fort King Boulevard about 2:15 a.m. when he lost control of his pickup at a curve and struck an oak and a large magnolia. He died at the scene, deputies said.

Monroe was under house arrest and wore an ankle monitor for previous DUI convictions, deputies said.