A 59-year-old bicyclist was killed in a hit-and-run crash in Polk County early Monday morning.
Polk deputies were called to the scene around 5 a.m. of a possible hit-and-run crash involving a bicyclist at Washington Ave. and US Hwy. 27 near Lake Wales.
Polk Fire Rescue responded and found 59-year-old Ramond Johnson on a grassy shoulder near the sidewalk.
They rushed him to the hospital, but Johnson later died of his injuries.
The investigation found that Johnson was traveling west on Washington Ave. on a bicycle and was hit by an unknown vehicle, knocking him off the bike and onto the sidewalk and grassy shoulder of the roadway.
A security camera in the area shows a cyclist riding in the roadway and within about one second, a vehicle of interest driving in a path of travel that would be consistent with the path of travel of the cyclist prior to imapct. Deputies describe the car as a full-sized sedan of some type.
"We are always shocked when someone does not stop and render aid after a car crash--it's the right thing to do and it is illegal not to," Polk Sheriff Grady Judd said. "We are asking for the public's help in identifying the vehicle of interest in the photo. Please call us--to remain anonymous call Crime Stoppers."
This case is still under investigation. If anyone has information about this incident or the identity of the driver, they are urged to contact PCSO at 863-298-6200. Or to remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward, contact Heartland Crime Stoppers - call 1-800-226 TIPS (8477).
