Hit-And-Run Kills Cyclist In Florida; Driver Sought: Police

PLANT CITY, FL — A pickup truck fatally struck a cyclist and fled the scene Friday evening in Plant City, officials said. Law enforcement is seeking the driver, who may have also struck a pole in a separate crash, according to the Plant City Police Department.

At about 6:30 p.m. Friday, a bicyclist was traveling westbound on Jim Johnson Road, around Jap Tucker Road, when a pickup truck struck him from the rear, police said. The driver fled without stopping to leave information or render aid, authorities said.

Plant City Fire Rescue rendered aid to the cyclist, who was later pronounced dead at the scene. Police identified the decedent as Robert Scott Cook, 60.

Witnesses to the collision described the suspect vehicle as a gray, late-model Ford F-150, police said. They described the driver as a middle-aged Hispanic man, according to Plant City PD.

The vehicle has front passenger-side damage and is missing a portion of the front grille, which surrounds the front passenger-side headlight, police said.

The pickup truck also may have sustained additional damage from striking a pole. A witness told police that the same vehicle hit a pole near Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Station 25 on E. Trapnell and Clemons Roads.

Anyone with information can contact the Plant City Police Department at 813-757-9200.