Just after 5 a.m. yesterday, a man in his early 40s was brought to a Tampa hospital after being hit by a vehicle near North Armenia Avenue and East Hamilton Avenue. He later died from his injuries, and the Tampa Police Department has classified the case as an active traffic fatality investigation.
According to a news release on the City of Tampa website, detectives worked both at the crash scene and at the hospital to collect physical evidence and run down early leads. The department stated that "Detectives would like to talk to the driver of the vehicle to determine what, if anything, they may know about the incident." Anyone with information is asked to call the Tampa Police non-emergency line at 813-231-6130 and refer to report number 26-336350.
Local outlet Tampa Free Press also published the department's statement and relayed the same basic timeline, noting that the victim was transported to a nearby hospital shortly after 5 a.m. and that detectives were working both the scene and the hospital as they pursued initial leads.
What the law says
Under Florida law, a driver who willfully leaves the scene of a crash that results in someone's death can face felony charges and significant penalties. State statute classifies leaving the scene of a crash involving death as a felony that carries a mandatory minimum prison sentence of four years and a driver-license revocation of at least three years, according to the Florida Statutes.
Other recent cases nearby
This latest call for witnesses comes as Tampa police have been sorting through several other hit-and-run investigations in recent weeks, including a fatal crash near W. Waters Avenue and N. Albany Avenue that left a bicyclist dead. In that case, the department issued a separate news release and urged nearby residents and businesses to review any surveillance footage and report anything that might help them pin down suspect vehicles.
How to help
Anyone who witnessed the crash, has dash-cam video, or spotted fresh damage or stray car parts in the area is asked to contact Tampa Police at 813-231-6130. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay at 1-800-873-TIPS.
