Man Killed In Ulmerton Road Crash ID'd

CLEARWATER, FL — The Florida Highway Patrol is asking for help finding a motorist involved in a Wednesday morning hit-and-run crash on Ulmerton Road that left a bicyclist dead. Troopers say the motorist struck the 62-year-old St. Petersburg man and kept on going.

Troopers say the unidentified vehicle was heading westbound on Ulmerton Road around 5:30 a.m. May 31. At that time, Robert Allen Shepherd was also heading west in the bike lane east of 58th Street North. Shepherd, a highway patrol report noted, had lights on and was wearing a reflective vest.

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The driver of the unidentified vehicle, “for unknown reasons,” hit Shepherd, the report said. The motorist then took off from the scene. Shepherd was then struck by a GMC SUV driven by Michael Alejandro Flores, 30, of Trinity. Troopers say Shepherd was pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities have recovered car parts left behind after the crash. A side mirror was recovered that indicates the suspect vehicle is a 2003-2008 model Pontiac Vibe, Toyota Matrix or Toyota Corolla, according to the patrol’s report.

Anyone with information about the motorist or the vehicle is asked to call the patrol at *FHP or 813-631-4020. Tips may also be submitted through Crime Stoppers by calling 800-873-TIPS or by going online to www.crimestoppersofpinellas.org.

Further information is not yet being released.

Photo courtesy of the Florida Highway Patrol