Polk County Man Wanted For Striking Biker, Leaving Scene: Deputies

POLK COUNTY, FL — Polk County deputies are hoping the public can help them track down a man wanted for striking a motorcyclist with his vehicle and then leaving the scene of the crash.

Deputies said Efrain Perez, 41, of Auburndale is wanted for a hit-and-run crash that occurred Sunday in Winter Haven, which significantly injured a motorcyclist.

The victim, a 67-year-old Auburndale man, sustained numerous broken bones and head trauma, and was taken to a local hospital, deputies said.

"There's a man fighting for his life in the hospital because a coward hit him and then fled the scene without contacting emergency services. That's a felony. If you think you may have seen or heard anything at all, please contact us - your tip might be the key piece of information we need to find the suspect(s) responsible for this crime. The victim and his family are in our prayers," Sheriff Grady Judd said.

With the assistance of the Auburndale Police Department, detectives said they located Perez's truck, a 2007 burgundy Chevrolet Silverado extended cab with a lift kit, parked near Perez's house.

"They established probable cause to have a warrant issued for his arrest, but he is at large," the sheriff's office said in a news release.

If you have any information on Perez's whereabouts please contact Detective Mendez at 863-668-3105 or PCSO at 863-298-6200.

• CALL 1-800-226 TIPS (8477)
• DIAL **TIPS from your cell phone
• VISIT the website www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on "Submit A Tip,"
• DOWNLOAD the free "P3tips" app on your smartphone or tablet.

If an arrest is made based on your tip, authorities said you could be eligible for a cash reward of up to $5,000.