9-year-old child struck and killed in hit-and-run crash while riding bike; suspect at large: PCSO
POLK COUNTY, Fla. - The Polk County Sheriff's Office is investigating a fatal hit-and-run crash involving a child riding their bicycle Friday night.
According to PCSO, the incident happened at around 4:45 p.m. on Friday in Fort Meade near the 2400 block of Hutchins Road.
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Sheriff Grady Judd said Andres Martinez, 9, was backing out of his driveway on his bike when a red Chevrolet four-door pickup truck struck and killed him.
The red truck then continued to flee eastbound on Hutchins Road. PCSO released photos of the red truck Friday night.
Photo courtesy: Polk County Sheriff's Office
"It is beyond comprehension that anyone could hit another person with their vehicle and not stop to render aid, to help [or] to report what happened," Judd said. "But that's even a thousand times a thousand times worse when it's a child, a little nine-year-old boy."
Sheriff Judd said Martinez was leaving his home to go visit his friend.
CrimeStoppers is offering a $5,000 reward for anyone who provides information regarding the location of the vehicle or suspect.
