Photo: Gulf Coast news
A bicyclist from Arcadia was left critically injured after a hit-and-run crash, according to troopers from the Florida Highway Patrol.
FHP says that on Saturday, the vehicle, a Ford Aerostar, was traveling east on West Pine Street, west of Manatee Avenue. The bicyclist, a 29-year-old, was traveling west on East Pine Street, west of Manatee Avenue.
The front of the Aerostar hit the bicyclist, and the 29-year-old was separated from his bike. He landed on West Pine Street. The bicyclist was transported to a hospital with critical injuries.
F, an Arcadia resident, said speeding has long been an issue in the area.
“I think it was about time—something was bound to happen—because the cars here drive as if they’re on the highway; they go by very, very fast all the time. I have children, and sometimes you have to be out there because the cars are moving so quickly,” F said.
Residents living along West Pine Street described the road as dangerous due to fast-moving vehicles and poor lighting after sunset, noting that this crash is one of many incidents in the area.
C, another Arcadia resident, expressed his disbelief over the driver’s actions.
“We as a church here, we give back to our community. And like Jesus did, he looked on the less fortunate and so asked to think of someone would just leave someone here on the side of the road with no regard for their life is just unimaginable. And, my heart goes out to him and his family, and I’m praying for him that he will pull through,” C said.
C also called for increased police patrols and improved infrastructure to enhance safety in the area.
“I do agree that speeding has been an issue. Even on yesterday, I noticed a lot of people was running the stop sign, which is every day on a daily basis. And I think we need a little bit more police presence here on Pine Street to just help keep our young people and our homeless people a little bit more safer in the lighting. They need more street lights on Pine Street and Orange Avenue. As this being a central of a main route to this community,” C said.
The driver of the Aerostar drove away from the scene. The suspected vehicle and driver were located a short time later at an apartment complex in Arcadia, according to FHP. The vehicle was impounded for further forensic examination.
Charges are pending an additional investigation.
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Source: GulfCoastNewsNow
