Troopers: Driver in Stolen Vehicle Fled Accident Scene

The Florida Highway Patrol is on the hunt for an auto thief it says struck a man in Palm Harbor and then ran from the scene.

The incident occurred around 6:17 p.m. Wednesday as Eliezer Cruz, 43, of Tampa was heading east on Fox Chase Boulevard. When Cruz stopped for the sign at U.S. 19, the vehicle behind him did not, a highway patrol report stated. Cruz’s vehicle was struck.

After the crash, the driver of the other vehicle fled on foot, troopers say, leaving Cruz with minor injuries.

As it turned out, the other car had been reported stolen in Tampa.

Troopers are now asking anyone with information about the theft or the person driving the stolen car to call them at 813-631-4020.

Photos courtesy of the Florida Highway Patrol