Motorcyclist killed in Palmetto after hitting pickup truck in hit-and-run, police say
A motorcyclist was killed in Palmetto over the weekend in a fatal hit-and-run.
The crash happened on Sept. 3 at 10:15 p.m. at the intersection of Seventh Street West and U.S. 41 north when a motorcycle was unable to avoid a turning pickup truck, according a press release issued by the Palmetto Police Department on Wednesday afternoon.
Detectives say the truck was traveling northbound on U.S. 41 when it made a left turn to travel west on Seventh Street West. A southbound motorcyclist was unable to avoid the turning truck in front of him and struck its side, throwing him from the motorcycle before being struck by two other vehicles, police say.
The driver of the truck did not stop but fled, according to the release.
The motorcyclist died at the scene. Police say he was wearing a helmet at the time of the collision.
Detectives say the other two other motorists who hit the motorcyclist after he had been ejected stopped to help.
The crash investigation closed southbound U.S. 41 for several hours.
Police say the truck involved in the collision was a dark-colored, late model Ford F150 crew cab that likely has damage to its passenger side, where it was struck by the motorcycle.
Palmetto Police investigators say they are following up on several leads, but they are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the driver of the pickup truck. They would like to talk to anyone with any information about the vehicle or its driver.
Anyone with information can contact the Palmetto Police Department Detective Division at 941-723-4587. You can also contact Manatee County Crime Stoppers at 1-866-634-TIPS (8477) or manateecrimestoppers.com. Those providing information may remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward.
