Hit-and-run victim's family pleads for tips on suspect

SARASOTA (FOX 13) - The emptiness inside Troy Sandifar echoes in his voice. His son was killed January 31 when he was hit by a car while riding his bike.

"I lost a very important person in my life. My son and I were very close," Sandifar said.

Skylar Sandifar was on his bike when police say a newer-model Toyota Corolla slammed into him from behind, then drove off.

Skylar Sandifar was left on the road to die.

It happened between 6th and 8th Street on U.S. Highway 301 in Sarasota.

"We're anxious to find the person that hit my son and took off," Troy Sandifar said.

Video released Monday by the Sarasota Police Department could be the key Skylar's family has been looking for.  Police say it shows the suspect's vehicle just seconds before the 28-year-old was hit and killed.

"Each day that goes by, we don't know if that car has been fixed. We don't know if that cars been sold. We don't know if that car is even in the state, That's why we're hoping to get the word back out," said Genevieve Judge, spokesperson for the Sarasota Police Department.

Police say the car will have damage on the right front-end. Police also confirmed the car was speeding before it hit Sandifar.

"They took something very special from us. Skylar left a lot of people behind that loved and cared for him," Troy Sandifar explained.