An 18-year-old driver from Bradenton was arrested for his involvement in a fatal hit-and-run incident that claimed the life of a 62-year-old pedestrian in Manatee County, local authorities report. Florida Highway Patrol stated the collision occurred yesterday night along U.S. 41 near 63rd Avenue West. The young driver, after initially checking on the pedestrian, fled the scene only to return later and be taken into custody, as noted by WFLA.
According to FOX 13 News, the incident took place around 10:32 p.m., when a vehicle operated by the 18-year-old struck a man who was walking his bicycle across the northbound lanes of the highway. The driver stopped to check on the victim, then drove away before later returning to the scene, troopers said. The pedestrian, hailing from Sacramento, California, was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.
The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. It is reported that the victim was walking alongside his bicycle going west on U.S. 41 and entered the northbound lanes when the front right of the SUV hit the pedestrian and his bicycle. Details shared by WTSP include that the driver "initially" stopped his SUV and "briefly checked" on the man before driving away. The 18-year-old and his 17-year-old passenger were not hurt in the collision.
The name of the suspect has yet to be released, but reports confirm that he is currently being held at Manatee County Jail on a charge of leaving the scene of a crash with death.
