Authorities in Fort Myers are investigating a deadly hit-and-run that occurred on US 41 near Constitution Boulevard.
The incident happened just before 1 a.m. on Tuesday. A 41-year-old man was walking when he was struck by two vehicles.
The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) reported that both a Nissan Altima and a Chevrolet Malibu were involved in the crash. The Altima was found on Wednesday morning while the Malibu was discovered later that night. Both vehicles have been impounded for forensic examination.
Trish Routte from Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers said, “ When you hit a person, it’s not like you nicked a garbage can, you know that you have hit a person.”
Under Florida law, when a driver is involved in a crash, they are required to pull over and call 911. Routte called the drivers “cowards” for leaving.
“Someone died as a result of your irresponsible actions,” said Routte, “There’s eyes everywhere. So we will find out who this person is, and it’s going to be much easier and beneficial for the driver or drivers of these cars to come forward.”
Gary Loomis, a Fort Myers resident, expressed his dismay.
“It’s sad that we have to come to this situation where people are injured and no responsibility is taken for that problem,” Loomis said.
FHP is actively searching for the drivers involved and is urging anyone who witnessed the crash or saw cars speeding away from the area to come forward with information.
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact Southwest Florida Crimestoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS.