MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. – Florida Highway Patrol investigators are searching for a driver who fled the scene of a fatal collision that left a local man dead on Monday evening. The crash occurred at approximately 6:49 p.m. on 60th Avenue West, just west of US 41 and near the entrance to the Flamingo Garden Apartments.
Authorities report that a 74-year-old Bradenton man was using a marked crosswalk near the Publix shopping center when he was struck by a westbound vehicle. The impact was severe, and the pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene.
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According to the FHP, the driver involved initially pulled into the Flamingo Garden Apartment complex and stopped briefly. However, instead of remaining at the scene, the driver navigated through the complex, re-entered 60th Avenue West, and continued traveling westbound away from the area.
Troopers describe the suspect vehicle as a dark gray or black SUV, likely a Toyota RAV4 or a 4Runner. Corporal C. Davidson is leading the investigation and is reviewing local surveillance footage to identify the vehicle and its operator.
State law requires all drivers involved in a crash resulting in injury or death to remain at the scene. FHP officials are urging anyone with information about the vehicle or the identity of the driver to contact the Florida Highway Patrol by dialing *FHP (*347) from a mobile phone. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Manatee County Crime Stoppers.
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