Logging Truck Wanted in I-75 Hit-and-Run

The Florida Highway Patrol is looking for some help tracking down a logging truck in connection with a Wednesday morning hit-and-run on Interstate 75 near Fruitville Road in Sarasota.

The accident happened around 8:04 a.m. as Erick Rodriguez Beltran, 23, of Bradenton was heading southbound on I-75 in a 1996 Honda Civic. Troopers say Beltran’s Civic was struck by a tractor trailer logging truck that was traveling in the middle lane. The truck attempted to change lanes and its right side hit the Honda’s left.

Beltran suffered minor injuries in the crash. His passengers, Carlos Sandoval Turnama, 25, and Funin Castanenda, 26, both of Bradenton, were injured.

Troopers are now looking for that truck, which is said to have continued southbound on I-75 without stopping after the crash. Anyone with information about the wreck is asked to call Trooper Hupchick at 941-492-5850.

Photo courtesy of the Florida Highway Patrol