LAKE COUNTY, Fla. – Troopers are calling on the public for information about a driver who allegedly abandoned an SUV after fatally rear-ending a motorcyclist with it in Lake County on Saturday, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The crash occurred around 10:44 p.m. at U.S. 27’s intersection with Citrus Grove Road, troopers said.
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According to an FHP crash report, the motorcyclist — identified as a 36-year-old Leesburg woman — was stopped at the traffic signal and facing south in the inside lane of U.S. 27 when a 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe traveling south on U.S. 27 approached her from behind in the same lane.
Between those vehicles was another SUV — also traveling southbound and in the same lane as the others — that swerved to the outside lane once the light turned green, the report states.
The driver of the Chevrolet failed to observe the motorcycle ahead of them, rear-ending it as a result, troopers said.
The Chevrolet was driven away from the scene of the crash and the Leesburg woman was taken to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead, the report states. She was wearing a helmet during the crash, troopers said.
Troopers took possession of the Chevrolet after locating it about three miles north of the scene, where its driver had abandoned it on the median of U.S. 27, according to the report. The other SUV and its three occupants, none of whom were injured, all remained at the scene, troopers said.
Anyone with information about the crash or the Chevrolet’s driver is asked to contact FHP by dialing *FHP (*347) or Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS (8477).
FHP is still investigating.
Leaving the scene of a crash that results in property damage, injury, or death is against the law. The Florida Highway Patrol is reminding Floridians about the consequences of leaving the scene of a crash and the challenges law enforcement face when investigating a hit-and-run crash. If involved in a crash, stay at the scene, call for help, and follow these steps:
1. Make sure you and any passengers are okay. Remain calm.
2. If possible, move to the side of the road. Remove your keys if you get out of your vehicle, move off the roadway, and stay in a safe area.
3. Check on others involved. Call 911 if anyone might be injured or a vehicle is inoperable.
4. If there are no injuries or major property damage, gather information. Get the name, driver license, insurance, and tag information from the other driver(s). Take photos of the vehicles and information if you can’t write it down and then file a report online. Learn more about hit-and-run penalties here.
Florida Highway Patrol