TAMPA

A van driver wanted for failing to appear in court on a DUI charge ran a red light and hit a car Monday morning, killing an Illinois man and seriously injuring the man's wife, investigators said.

The van driver fled on foot and was apprehended at his home, according to the Hills­borough County Sheriff's Office. He was being treated at a hospital for minor injuries and was expected to face charges including driving under the influence, the sheriff's office said.

The couple — driver Jeffery Mandore and Linda Mandore, both 54 — had just bought a retirement home in Florida and were returnining to Vernon Hills, Ill., to plan for the move, the Sheriff's Office said.

The van driver, Carlos Yordanis Fleitas-Spiedad, 36, had been sought by authorities after failing to appear in court to face charges from a DUI arrest May 21, the sheriff's office said. He was driving on a suspended license.

Fleitas-Spiedad, of 6617 River Road, was traveling south on Kelly Road and attempting to turn left onto Memorial Highway when the collision occurred about 5:25 a.m.

The 2001 Ford van struck the front of a 2007 Toyota Corolla carrying the Mandores as the Corolla was making a left turn, the Sheriff's Office said.

Jeffery Mandore was pronounced dead at the scene. Linda Mandore was listed in serious condition Monday at a hospital.

Found at his home, Fleitas had a strong odor of alcohol and submitted to a blood draw, the Sheriff's Office said.

Times staff