SARASOTA, Fla. — Florida Highway Patrol troopers are searching for a driver they say caused a deadly crash with a motorcyclist before driving away from the scene.
The hit-and-run crash happened just before 10 p.m. Tuesday at the intersection of Fruitville Road and Lakewood Ranch Boulevard in Sarasota.
Troopers say an SUV driver was heading north on Lakewood Ranch Boulevard as a 21-year-old man on a motorcycle was driving east on Fruitville Road.
The SUV driver ran a red light and crashed into the motorcyclist, who had the green light, according to FHP.
The motorcyclist was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. Troopers say the SUV driver fled the scene.
Troopers later found a 2020 Audi SUV abandoned on the side of Interstate 75 at the Fruitville Road exit.
Investigators at the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office say they believe the driver of this car committed another crime just before the hit-and-run.
Deputies believe a theft involving catalytic converters stolen from trucks on Tower Lane connects to the person who was driving the Audi involved in the hit-and-run. Investigators stated, "It is believed the vehicle involved in the burglary is responsible for the fatality crash."
Troopers believe the burglary could explain why the driver ran a red light.
"They may have realized they set the alarm off and that's why they were traveling with such haste," Trooper Ken Watson said.
Right now, troopers are trying to locate the driver involved to get justice for the family of the 21-year-old man who died.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Florida Highway Patrol on Crime Stoppers.
The investigation remains ongoing.