Pinellas Park Man in Wheelchair Killed By Hit-And-Run Driver Crossing U.S. 19

PINELLAS PARK, FL — Pinellas Park police are searching for a hit-and-run driver who killed a pedestrian Wednesday night and then fled the scene.

The crash occurred around 8 p.m. at U.S. 19 North at Mainlands Drive.

Officers arrived and found Gary Boisvert, 63, of Pinellas Park with life-threatening injuries. He was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The car that struck him was described by witnesses as a white compact sedan or hatchback. It most likely has heavy front-end damage.

Investigators determined that Boisvert was traveling in a wheelchair and entered the U.S. 19 North crosswalk against the "Do Not Walk" signal.

The car that struck him was heading south on U.S. 19 and increased its speed as it approached a yellow light at the intersection.

See related story: Weekend Accidents Reinforce Need In Pinellas For Increased Safety

This is the second hit-and-run crash Pinellas Park police investigated in the past week.

On Sunday, Oct. 3 at 7 a.m. at 34th Street North and 62nd Avenue, a woman was crossing in the crosswalk when she was struck by a gold car, possibly a Toyota. She suffered life-threatening injuries.

Pinellas Park police are asking for information on both cases. Contact Pinellas County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-973-TIPS or the Pinellas Park police at 727-369-7864.

By law, drivers involved in an accident are required to remain on the scene and notify law enforcement immediately.

This is also the second death of a person crossing the road in a wheelchair in the past week.

According to Tampa police, on Oct. 5, a 59-year-old man was crossing the road in a wheelchair in front of Lowe's at 4210 S. Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa when he was struck by a vehicle. He died at the scene.

See related story: Man In Wheelchair Killed While Crossing South Dale Mabry Highway