Bradenton Man Believed To Be Hit-And-Run Driver In Horrific Crash

BRADENTON, FL -- Following what Florida Highway Patrol described as an "exhaustive criminal investigation," troopers on Saturday announced the arrest of the suspected hit-and-run driver who is believed to be responsible for Thursday's horrific Manatee County crash that sent an Audi rolling across a hotel parking lot and left its 19-year-old driver fighting for his life.

"The Florida Highway Patrol has identified Zachari Brock of Bradenton as the hit-and-run driver," Lt. Gregory S. Bueno of Florida Highway Patrol told Patch Saturday night.
He has been placed under arrest for leaving the scene of a crash involving serious injury
... and driving with no valid license involving a serious injury."

Troopers confirmed a break in the case Friday night when they impounded the suspected hit-and run-vehicle, a 2003 Kia Sorrento.

FHP had earlier asked for the public's help in finding the Kia that was believed to have suffered front-end damage during the early morning crash that also caused damage to two parked cars as the driver could be seen callously speeding away on surveillance video.

WTSP TV obtained surveillance video of the crash below:

Jackson Maxwell Kelly, who played high school basketball and is now a college student, was taken to Sarasota Memorial Hospital after his 2018 A3 landed on its roof in the parking lot of Lantern Inn Suites, 7251 14th Street West, according to Florida Highway Patrol.

Kelly's father told "Inside Edition" that he believed someone in the community could identify the driver.

"He is fighting hard," Kelly's father said of his son on Friday. "He is showing improvements."

The incident happened at 7:45 a.m. Thursday as the Kia Sedona was attempting to make a left turn into the Race Trac gas station at 7259 14th Street West.

Florida Highway Patrol said that the Kia Sedona traveled into the path of Kelly's Audi, which had been going north on US. 41. The Audi began rotating and slammed into a concrete wall before striking a parked Hyundai Elantra, causing that car in turn to strike a parked Toyota Yaris.

To report a tip, call Florida Highway Patrol at 941 751-8350 or call Manatee County Crime Stoppers at 866-634-TIPS.