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Tampa police searching for driver accused of killing person in hit-and-run

The car involved in the crash is described by police as possibly a light blue, gray or silver sedan.

TAMPA, Fla. — Police are searching for a person who was behind the wheel and caused a deadly hit-and-run crash Tuesday night in Tampa. 

Authorities responded around 8:16 p.m. to the area of East 21st Avenue and found a man's body after he was hit by a car, the Tampa Police Department said in a news release. 

Police say they tried to perform life-saving measures on the man – who has been identified as 57-year-old Darrell Lawson – but he died due to his injuries. 

Now, the police department says they are working to track down the driver who hit Lawson and drove away. 

"Our thoughts are with the family of Mr. Lawson during this difficult time," Tampa Chief of Police Lee Bercaw said in a statement. "We are committed to making our shared roadways safe for all users, and our investigators will work tirelessly to identify and apprehend those involved in this tragedy. 

"It is unacceptable for anyone to hit another person with their vehicle and then flee without stopping to check on them or call for help."

In a video shared by the police department, footage from two homes near where the incident occurred shows Lawson riding his bike. As he crosses the street, a car crashes into him and the bike. 

Lawson's body is seen hitting the car and then resting on the road while his bike also flew away from where it was struck. 

The car involved in the crash is described by police as possibly a light blue, gray or silver sedan that was last seen heading eastbound on East 21st Avenue. 

People who live in the area are asked by law enforcement to check their outdoor cameras for any recordings that can help with the investigation.

Anyone with information regarding the deadly crash or who may have seen what happened is urged to call the police department at 813-231-6130 or Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay at 800-873-8477.

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