Man Struck By Several Vehicles on U.S. 41

A 52-year old man is in critical condition at Blake Medical Center after he walked into traffic and was hit by a car.

Andrew B. Harris, of Clearwater, was taken to Blake Medical Center Monday night. He remains in critical condition, according to a report from the Florida Highway Patrol.

James O'Brien, 19, of Bradenton was traveling north in the center lane of U.S. 41 when Harris apparently walked out in front of his car, according to the FHP report. O'Brien told troopers at the scene that Harris appeared without warning at the right front corner of his 2001 Honda Accord. O'Brien braked but Harris "was already coming through the front windshield," according to the report.

Harris flew off of the vehicle and back onto the road as O'Brien hit the brakes. Harris landed on hiss back with his upper body in the center northbound lane. His legs were in the left northbound lane.

O'Brien immediately turned in the driveay of the Dairy Queen off of Tamiami Trail and parked his car. He ran into the road and with the help of a witness, tried to wave approaching traffic away from Harris who was still in the road. The witness tolld Troopers that as many as three vehicles drove around them in the left northbound lane. All three vehicles appeared to have struck Harris's legs as he was laying in the road. None of them stopped. 

The three vehicles that failed to stop were last seen heading north on US-41. No skid marks were observed at the scene.

The Florida Highway Patrol is asking that if anyone with information about the identity of the vehicles or drivers that struck Harris after the initial collision  contact the Florida Highway Patrol at 239-938-1800.