JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Police are looking for a driver who left the scene Friday night after their car struck a pedestrian just off Arlington Road.
A man in his mid-50s was walking across Berry Avenue, one block north of Atlantic Boulevard, just before 8:30 p.m. when he was hit by a car, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office.
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The victim, whose name was not released, was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries.
People who saw the hit-and-run told police the car was red but were unclear of the make and model. Investigators said the car should have front-end damage.
Florida Highway Patorl spokesman Sgt. Dylan Bryan said turning a crash into a hit-and-run increases the consequences for the driver involved.
"You take a simple traffic crash and make it a criminal violation once you leave the scene," Bryan said.
He said it's important for pedestrians to do everything they can to be seen by drivers.
"In the morning hours or late evening hours, wear light clothing, reflective material, carry flashlights, whatever it takes to be seen as a pedestrian -- to be visible," Bryan said.
Friday's hit-and-run was at least the eighth in Duval County this year.
A man was killed on Ricky Drive in January, a woman was killed on Beach Boulevard in March and another pedestrian was killed on University Boulevard South in April.
In June, a man was hit but survived on Union Street, and a woman was hit but survived on the Northside. Later that month, a man was killed on Beaver Street.
In July, a pregnant woman and her children were involved in a hit-and-run that forced her to have an emergency C-section. Her baby was born healthy.
Police ask anyone who knows anything about any of these hit-and-run crashes to call the JSO at 904-630-0500 or Crime Stoppers at 866-845-TIPS.