BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. -- As police continue searching for a hit-and-run driver in Bonita Springs, a disturbing trend is revealed concerning the number of hit-and-runs occurring in Florida, Friday.
Cones and emergency vehicles blocked off Old 41 in Bonita Springs, Thursday night, where a driver hit and killed a deaf bicyclist. Officials are now trying to notify the victim's family.
According to Florida Highway Patrol Lieutenant Greg Bueno, leaving the scene of a crash resulting in injury or death is a felony punishable by major jail time. Despite the harsh punishment, the number of hit-and-run crashes continues to rise in Florida.
In Florida, there were more than 92,000 hit-and-run crashes in 2015. 19,000 of those resulted in injury, and 186 resulted in death. "It's a very serious issue and a year prior it was less," said Lt. Bueno. "What we see as the main contributing factor to these crashes are speeding, distractions and impairment."
Seven hit-and-run cases in Southwest Florida are unsolved for 2016, including the case of Lynn Brown, another bicyclist killed in Bonita Springs. Lt. Bueno tells Fox 4 in all cases, someone can provide information that would help investigators. "In all our hit-and-runs, someone has seen something or someone has said something, knows something," he said. "What if this was your family? You would want someone to speak up."
He encourages anyone with any information regarding this crime to call FHP, or call CrimesStoppers at 1(800) 780-TIPS. You can remain anonymous, and could earn a cash reward.
