Student killed in hit-and-run; Man struck, killed on birthday

Ocala police arrest driver in fatal hit-and-run

Published On: Nov 23 2012 08:13:46 AM EST
OCALA, Fla. -

Officials say two pedestrians have died in separate crashes while crossing busy roadways in Ocala on Thanksgiving.

Ocala police say a red Chevrolet Trailblazer struck 23-year-old William McDonald in a crosswalk before fleeing early Thursday. Police later arrested 25-year-old Joseph Stewart on charges of leaving the scene of an accident. He told police he panicked when he hit the pedestrian.

The Ocala Star-Banner reports McDonald was home from college for the holiday break.

Later Thursday evening, 42-year-old Patrick Joseph Wisocky was fatally struck as he walked along U.S. 301 on his birthday.

The Florida Highway Patrol says 49-year-old John Syme was driving the Jeep Cherokee that struck Wisockiy. They say speed was not a factor. An investigation continues.

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