An 85-year-old man has been arrested following a fatal hit-and-run incident in a St. Petersburg shopping center parking lot, according to a recent announcement by local law enforcement officials. Last Friday evening, Mary Broughton, 91, was struck by a vehicle in the parking lot of the Publix at 200 37th Ave. N.; she later died from her injuries at a nearby hospital.
The suspect, identified as Darrell Elwin Briggs, is alleged to have fled the scene without offering aid or reporting the accident, driving back to his residence in a nearby apartment complex. St. Petersburg Police, after an investigation, located and apprehended Briggs, charging him with the grave offense of leaving the scene of a crash that resulted in a death; the story first broke on the department's Facebook page.
Although specific details surrounding the motive or circumstances have not been disclosed, the authorities did confirm that the inquiry is ongoing and further information will be provided as the case evolves.
The St. Petersburg Police have refrained from releasing extensive information to the public, though they encourage any additional witnesses or those with relevant knowledge to come forward and provide testimony that may be critical in the pursuit of justice for the victim.
