NewsMySuncoast / WWSB (ABC Sarasota)November 9, 2026Sarasota County
Hillsborough County deputies arrest two adults after finding children and drugs in U-Haul van
Photo: MySuncoast / WWSB (ABC Sarasota)
Two adults were arrested in Tampa after deputies discovered two unsecured children inside a U-Haul van alongside drugs, prescription pills, and drug paraphernalia. The vehicle began to roll forward as deputies approached, leading to a driving under the influence arrest for the driver and multiple child abuse and drug charges for the passenger.
Read the full story at MySuncoast / WWSB (ABC Sarasota)Why It Matters
The incident resulted in two arrests on drug and child abuse charges, the recovery of unsecured prescription medication and methamphetamine within reach of children, and the transfer of the children to the custody of a family member.
Key Facts
- Deputies responded around 7:35 a.m. on Nov. 7 to a gas station in the 6300 block of North Dale Mabry Highway following a 911 call about two unresponsive people inside a U-Haul van.
- The van began to roll forward as deputies approached the driver's side.
- Driver Arian Hernandez, 44, displayed signs of impairment and was arrested on a charge of driving under the influence.
- Passenger Vilmarie Diaz, 46, appeared disoriented and had narcotics on the passenger seat.
- Investigators discovered methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and prescription pills inside the vehicle.
- An unsecured muscle relaxant, methocarbamol, was found within reach of the children.
- The van contained no child safety seats, and the family appeared to have been living in it.
- A family member took custody of the two children.
- Vilmarie Diaz was charged with two counts each of child abuse, possession of a controlled substance, possession of a drug without a prescription, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Who's Mentioned
OrganizationHillsborough County Sheriff’s Office“Law enforcement agency that responded to the scene and made the arrests.”locationNorth Dale Mabry Highway“Location of the gas station where deputies responded.”PersonArian Hernandez“Driver of the van arrested on a charge of driving under the influence.”locationTampa“City where the incident took place.”OrganizationWWSB“News organization reporting on the incident.”locationFla.“State where the incident took place.”PersonVilmarie Diaz“Passenger found slumped in the vehicle and charged with child abuse and drug pos”