Ponce On CNN's "The Hunt"

By Matt Wiley

Nearly two years after killing a Wesley Chapel resident in a drunk driving wrong-way accident, the Tampa man identified by law enforcement officials as being responsible for the crash still is on the loose, and recently was featured on CNN’s “The Hunt” TV show.

Aired on August 3, “The Hunt” — a show that highlights some of the most-wanted fugitives in the U.S. — was broadcast nationwide in hopes that someone will recognize and help lead authorities to discovering the whereabouts of 24-year-old Tampa resident Christopher Ponce. 

Ponce originally was arrested on July 19, 2012, for driving under the influence and traveling north in the southbound lanes of I-275 near downtown Tampa in a 2012 Ford Fusion, just south of the I-4 interchange. 

Ponce struck a 2000 Ford Mustang driven by William Brooks Angel, 20, of Wesley Chapel, who was traveling with two other passengers. As a result of the collision, Angel sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene. His passengers also sustained serious injuries, but recovered.

Ponce was arrested and charged with DUI, DUI manslaughter, vehicular homicide, DUI with serious bodily injury and reckless driving. He was being monitored with an ankle bracelet, but reportedly removed it on May 9 and skipped town. 

In May, the U.S. Marshals Office announced a $5,000 reward for any information leading to Ponce’s arrest.

The U.S. Marshals Office says that Ponce could be anywhere in the U.S., or even beyond. 

The agency urges anyone who comes into contact with him not to try to apprehend him, but (if in or near Tampa) to call 415-1967. More information about the case can be found at FindChrisPonce.com, a website started by Angel’s family to spread awareness about the fugitive.