Man In Wheelchair Hit, Killed By Car In St. Petersburg: Police

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — Detectives with St. Petersburg Police have begun searching for a person involved in a hit—and—run crash Sunday night that killed a Navy veteran in a wheelchair, a news release said.

The car hit Marcelo Benedicto, 79, at about 7:15 p.m. in the 2100 block of Fifth Avenue, investigators said. Following the vehicle crashing into the victim, it left the location, according to officers.

Benedicto died at the wreck location, deputies said.

Police closed Fifth Avenue North in both directions from the Interstate—275 ramp for several hours following the crash. It has since been opened.

Deputies have not released any information about the description of the car. If you know anything about the driver’s whereabouts, call St. Petersburg police at 727-893-7780 or text SPPD+ your tip to TIP411.