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The Florida Highway Patrol is searching for the driver involved in a deadly crash
Kimberly Kuizon reports
SARASOTA, Fla. - The Florida Highway Patrol is searching for the driver who hit and killed a 21-year-old motorcyclist.
Before that happened, troopers believe that the driver was involved in an earlier crime.
"The person who did this fled the scene. They were wrong. They were cowards, and they need to be brought to justice," said Stephanie Tirotti.
Leonard Adams had his whole life ahead of him.
2020 Audi SUV found on I-75 is courtesy of the Florida Highway Patrol.
"He worked hard, and he wanted to build his life here and his mom as well. He wanted to be a pilot. He had been riding motorcycles as far as I know his whole life, he was very experienced," said Tirotti.
Stephanie Tirotti, one of Leonardo's friends, said he wore a helmet and lived shared his location with his girlfriend before taking a ride Tuesday night.
Trooper Ken Watson said just before 10 p.m Leonard was going East on Fruitville Road when an SUV ran a red light, hitting and killing Leonardo.
The SUV kept going and was abandoned on I-75 North after damage from the crash wouldn't let it go any farther.
READ: Wrong-way driver crashes into others on Interstate 75 in Sarasota
Trooper Watson said cameras show the driver being picked up by another vehicle.
"When a vehicle is injured that badly by a motorcycle, obviously the vehicle was moving quickly. And by fleeing the scene, they know they did something wrong. We are putting all the pieces of the puzzle together, and we will do everything we can to find these culprits," said Trooper Watson.
Troopers believe the driver was involved in an earlier crime, seconds away off Tower Lane in an industrial area.
2020 Audi SUV found on I-75 is courtesy of the Florida Highway Patrol.
Sarasota County Deputies are investigating after catalytic converters were cut off trucks.
Authorities believe the SUV was involved.
"They’ve committed another felony, and this point in time we understand the people we are dealing with obviously lead a criminal lifestyle. The bottom line is the FHP working in conjunction with the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office we will do everything to bring these people to justice and give the family of the young man killed justice," said Trooper Watson.
Originally from Brazil, Leonardo had goals and dreams of joining the Air Force and making a better life for him and his family.
"His mom is suffering right now, his whole family is suffering. We are all in shock with what happened and this can’t go without punishment. This person needs to get caught," said Tirotti.
If you have any information you are asked to call *FHP or CrimeStoppers at (941)-366-8477.
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