Pedestrian killed in Leesburg hit-and-run crash identified

Charges pending for 88-year-old driver

LEESBURG, Fla. – The pedestrian who was struck and killed by a vehicle in a hit-and-run crash on U.S. Route 27 in Leesburg has been identified.

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The crash was reported at U.S. Route 27 and Arlington Ridge Boulevard just before 9:30 a.m. Wednesday morning.

The Florida Highway Patrol said 88-year-old William Thomas was driving a Hyundai Touring when he struck Scott Parrish, 58, of Leesburg, on the east shoulder of U.S. Route 27 and continued to drive away.

Parrish was walking to work at the Winn Dixie supermarket, according to investigators.

Leesburg police stopped the driver 5 miles north of the crash. Troopers are now interviewing the driver.

"He's just one of those guys that was always happy," said John Voss, owner of Mama's Pizzeria, which is right next to the supermarket. "I know that every time he walks, he always walks about 4 feet into the grass, away from the shoulder," Voss said.

The northbound lanes of U.S. Route 27 were shut down as the investigation continued. Leesburg police are asking drivers to avoid the area and use alternate routes if possible.

Florida Highway Patrol is investigating, and charges are pending.

No other details were immediately available.

Check back for more on this story.


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