Pedestrian Dies in Hit-and-Run Crash

A 46-year-old Bradenton man was struck by a car and left to die in the road in an overnight hit-and-run crash Saturday, according to investigators.

Bradenton police are now asking the public for help.

William Ray Perri was found lying in the road, in the 1700 block of 17th Avenue West, after he was hit by an unknown vehicle that left the scene.

The Traffic Unit with the Bradenton police department is investigating the crash, which occurred at about 2 a.m. on Saturday.

Investigators report that the victim was walking across the road, headed north.

Another Bradenton resident saw Perri lying in the road after the accident and immediately called 9-1-1. The citizen performed CPR, until Emergency Medical Services arrived.

Perri was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators are awaiting autopsy results.

No witnesses have stepped forward. Traffic Homicide investigators are searching for a vehicle with front-end damage and a broken windshield. 

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to call:

• Bradenton Police Traffic Homicide Investigator David Sullivan at 941-932-9318,
• Or, to remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000, contact Crime Stoppers, toll free, 1-866-634-8477 (TIPS), or via the web, www.manateecrimestoppers.com