A pedestrian was left with life-threatening injuries early Wednesday after being struck by a vehicle that Fort Lauderdale police say may have fled the scene. The crash happened at about 1:28 a.m. in the 400 block of East Sunrise Boulevard, and the victim was rushed to a hospital. Officers later found the involved vehicle a short distance from the collision, unoccupied, as detectives opened a criminal investigation.
As reported by NBC 6 South Florida, police described the call as a "possible hit and run traffic crash" and confirmed the vehicle was recovered nearby with no one inside. Investigators were working to figure out how the crash happened and to identify anyone connected to the incident.
Investigators seeking video and witnesses
Fort Lauderdale detectives are asking anyone with dash-cam, traffic or doorbell footage from the area between about 1:20 and 1:40 a.m. to check their video and contact authorities. Per the Broward Crime Stoppers contact page, tips may be submitted anonymously at 954-493-8477 (TIPS) or via an encrypted online form, which investigators often use to follow up on leads.
Police are also urging anyone who noticed anything unusual in the 400 block of East Sunrise Boulevard around the time of the crash to call the Fort Lauderdale Police Department non-emergency line so detectives can take statements and add them to the case file.
Sunrise Boulevard safety context
Sunrise Boulevard has been the site of multiple serious crashes in recent months and is the focus of a multi-million dollar safety upgrade by FDOT intended to improve lighting, turn lanes and pedestrian infrastructure. $55.4 million upgrade coverage highlighted the project’s goal of reducing collisions along the busy corridor.
Authorities have not released the victim's name or other identifying details as the investigation remains active. As NBC 6 South Florida noted, police say they are continuing their on-scene work and will provide updates when more information is available.
