OCALA, Fla. – A pedestrian was struck and killed late Thursday in a hit-and-run crash in Ocala, police said.
The fatal wreck happened around 11 p.m. near the 3700 block of NW Blitchton Road, east of I-75.
According to the Ocala Police Department, the pedestrian and a companion were crossing U.S. 27 from the Quality Inn to the Marathon at 3760 NW Blitchton Road when a white Chevrolet struck the pedestrian.
The Chevrolet was traveling east in the outside lane when the crash occurred, police said on social media.
“After the crash, a witness saw the driver initially stay but then leave without contacting anyone,” the post states. “The investigation is ongoing to identify the driver of the Chevy.”
Roads were closed in the area after the crash, but they were later reopened, Ocala police said.
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People who frequent a nearby gas station said they recognized the victim, who they said had been staying at the hotel.
“I met them last week,” said Jamie Latson, who said the person often walked to the Marathon gas station across the street. “He was filled with life, honestly, even in the hard situation he was in. He was very nice. He always brought light to it. Just a really good person overall.”
Latson said learning the victim had been killed was heartbreaking.
“My initial reaction was, like, who it was,” Latson said. “I was distraught, honestly, as well.”
She said it was upsetting to hear that the driver left after seeing what happened.
“If I was in that predicament, I would have stopped,” she said. “If you have the right morals, you would have stopped. Any person would have stopped.”
Anyone with information about the crash is asked to call Ocala police at 352-369-7000 or to submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers of Marion County by calling 352-368-STOP (7867) or **TIPS, referencing case No. 202500163942.
“Tips can also be submitted online at OcalaCrimeStoppers.com," the post states. “If you use Crime Stoppers and your tip leads to an arrest, you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000!”
No other details have been released.