A motorcyclist was killed Tuesday afternoon in a bizarre wrong-way, hit-and-run crash on I-295 that ended with the wrong-way driver escaping on the back of a semi, the Florida Highway Patrol said.
Troopers are still on the hunt for that wrong-way driver who they say caused a three-vehicle pileup that killed a 66-year-old man.
I-295 was backed up and shut down for hours Tuesday afternoon after the deadly crash, which troopers said happened around 4:38 p.m.
FHP said a man with short dreadlocks stole a dark green 2001 Chevrolet pick-up truck and drove the wrong way on I-295 northbound near 103rd Street.
He hit a KTM motorcycle, and the 66-year-old rider was thrown off, FHP said.
The motorcycle was then hit by a white 2021 Acura sedan that had been driving behind the motorcyclist, FHP said.
According to the report, the impact with the motorcycle sent the car veering into the right shoulder guardrail. It then ricocheted and spun back onto the highway, where it hit the motorcyclist on the ground.
The motorcyclist died at the scene, troopers said. The man and woman in the car, both 33, suffered minor injuries. They were wearing their seat belts.
Troopers said after the pileup, the driver of the stolen pick-up tried — and failed — to steal another vehicle, then ran from the scene and was last seen riding on the outside of a semi that had driven through the area.
That semi was later pulled over, but the man was no longer on it, troopers said. They are still looking for him.
The driver who is on the run is described as a short Black man with short dreadlocks pulled into a bun. He was last seen wearing black shorts and a black shirt, but troopers said he might have removed the shirt.
FHP said the man might have injuries that look like he was in a crash or a fight.
The dramatic pileup shut down all lanes of I-295 northbound for hours on Tuesday. The lanes initially closed at 5:30 p.m. and miles-long traffic had to be redirected.
Viewers commented about the lengthy backup and witnessing the dramatic crash.
One viewer said she saw it in her rearview mirror, calling it “horrific.” She said her heart goes out to the families and she will never forget what she saw.
Anyone with information about the crash or the driver who struck the motorcyclist is asked to call FHP by dialing *FHP (*347) or contact First Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS (8477)
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source: news4jax
