SUV believed to be involved in deadly hit-and-run found set on fire, FHP says

Man on moped killed in crash on State Road 50

ORLANDO, Fla. – An SUV troopers believe was involved in a deadly hit-and-run crash Tuesday night was found Wednesday. Troopers said the vehicle had been set on fire.

A 20-year-old Orlando man riding a moped was killed Tuesday night in the crash, the Florida Highway Patrol says.

Troopers said Lazarao Adorno-Morales died in the crash, which occurred around 8:30 p.m. on State Road 50 near State Road 520.

The FHP said a light-colored SUV was driving east on S.R. 50 when it struck the back of the moped, ejecting Adorno-Morales.

The 20-year-old, who was not wearing a helmet, was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where he died, the FHP said.

Witnesses said the driver of the SUV hit the brakes, but drove away, according to the FHP.

Adorno-Morales' childhood friend and neighbor, Bobby Lambert, drove by the crash Tuesday night.

"I drove by it and the people who were in the crash were in my prayers," Lambert said.

He had no idea it was Adorno-Morale, known to him as Chachi, until the next morning.

"I had just seen him yesterday, so it's really tough," Lambert said. "I got love for Chachi. He was like family to me. I hope that the people that hit him get caught."

Which could happen soon, according to FHP troopers.

Investigators say a piece of the SUV's front was left at the scene and because of that analysts were able to zero down on a make and model saying they believe it was a light-colored 2007-2014 Lincoln Navigator involved in the crash.

Troopers say they believe they found the vehicle responsible in the crash, a white 2014 Lincoln Navigator. It was found not far from the crash and it had been set on fire.

Officials have not yet made contact with the owner of the vehicle. FHP said a person who posted pictures of the Navigator to Instagram as it burned is not a suspect and is helping the FHP with what he saw Wednesday.

Troopers say hit-and-run crashes in Central Florida are on the rise, with 31 hit and runs reported on Tuesday alone. FHP says this is the eighth fatal hit and run crash in Central Florida this year, much higher than the two fatal hit and run crashes by this time last year.

"We are writing someone's last chapter of their life and as troopers that's our job," Montiero added. "We need to ensure that at the of the story we put someone in custody for this."

Anyone with information about the crash is asked to call Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS or the FHP at 407-737-2213.


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