Lauderhill Police are on the hunt for a hit-and-run driver who is accused of striking and killing a pedestrian Wednesday evening on West Sunrise Boulevard. The incident occurred around 7:30 p.m., near the vicinity of the Swap Shop, according to WSVN.
Local reports indicate that multiple 911 calls were made by witnesses who heard a loud crash significant enough to be heard for blocks, suggesting a collision of extreme force. "I just heard a big crash. It was like – I think it was more than one car, how loud it was," Johnny Haden told WSVN, noting that the impact was audible from a considerable distance. Responding officers found the victim with severe injuries, who was then pronounced dead at the scene by Lauderhill Fire Rescue paramedics.
Traffic homicide and crime scene investigators have toiled through the night in search of evidence that might lead them to the driver. West Sunrise Boulevard was closed between 31st and 40th avenues during their meticulous scouring of the scene. As yet, the make and model of the vehicle involved remain undetermined, and the identity of the victim has not been released.
Authorities from Local 10 stated that the suspect drove an SUV which hit the man and left him to fatally succumb to his injuries. The lack of additional information or description of the vehicle has intensified their appeal for the public’s assistance. Anyone with information pertaining to the hit-and-run is urgently requested to contact Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS.
This latest incident strikes a personal chord for Haden, whose uncle met the same fate in a similar hit-and-run. "My uncle died the same way right down the street, outside of 31st, a hit-and-run," Haden recounted in a moment of grave reflection to WSVN. He expressed his hope for justice: "I hope they do, I really do. If I knew where [the driver was], I’d tell them."
