CLEARWATER, Fla. – Clearwater investigators are turning to the community for leads following a tragic hit-and-run that claimed the life of a 60-year-old man on Wednesday night. The incident took place around 9:30 p.m. along a busy stretch of the 1400 block of Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard.
Authorities identified the victim as Elbert Gilbert. According to initial reports, Gilbert was on foot when a vehicle struck him. Rather than stopping to render aid or call for emergency services, the driver sped away from the scene, leaving Gilbert behind.
Emergency responders arrived shortly after, but the injuries sustained in the collision were fatal.
There was a minor breakthrough in the case on Thursday afternoon when detectives managed to locate and recover the vehicle they believe was involved in the crash.
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While the car is now in police custody for forensic processing, the person behind the wheel that night remains at large. Police haven’t released a specific description of the driver yet, but they are working around the clock to piece together the moments leading up to and following the impact.
Detectives are now making a plea to the public. They want to hear from anyone who might have seen the vehicle in the area on Wednesday night or who has information about the driver’s whereabouts.
Even the smallest detail—a tip about someone acting strangely or a sighting of the car before the crash—could be the break the case needs. If you know anything that could help bring closure to this investigation, please call the Clearwater Police Department at 727-562-4242.
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