Hit-And-Run Driver Strikes Elderly Man On I-75 In Sarasota County

SARASOTA, FL -- A hit-and-run driver struck and killed an elderly man on the side of Interstate 75 Wednesday night and Florida Highway Patrol is asking for the public's help in finding the person who was behind the wheel of the 2005 Ford Truck that sped away. The incident occurred near mile marker 202.

Jorge Quezada of Port Charlotte was standing on the passenger side of his 2010 Toyota RAV4 around 7:28 p.m as the Ford truck crashed into his vehicle. The truck had first rear-ended a 2013 Honda CRV on the highway.

Fifty-year-old Vivianna Quezada, who was inside the RAV4 at the time of the crash was not injured.

The driver of the Honda CRV also was not injured. She was identified as 47-year-old Cheryl Sowards of Venice, Florida.

After striking Quezada, the Ford truck continued on the side of the highway and struck a power box that operated a Department of Transportation warning board.

"Skid marks and furrow marks were observed," said Florida Highway Patrol. "This investigation remains open" and troopers are searching for the hit-and-run driver.

To report a tip, call Florida Highway Patrol at (239) 938-1800.