Search continues for driver who killed good Samaritan 2 years ago in Polk County – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Pixabay)
Bartow, Fla. – Two years after a fatal hit-and-run on County Road 640, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office is still asking the public for any detail that could identify the driver responsible. Deputies arrived at the scene on May 17, 2023, after reports of an injured man lying in the roadway. The victim, a Valrico resident remembered as a good Samaritan, died from his injuries.
What Happened That Evening
The call came in during the evening hours. Responders found the man already down in the road and quickly determined he had been struck by a vehicle that left the area. Investigators later confirmed the collision as a hit-and-run. No other vehicles or witnesses were immediately located at the scene. The location on County Road 640 is a rural stretch that sees steady local traffic but limited lighting at night. That combination has made it harder for detectives to piece together exactly how the crash unfolded or why the driver continued on without stopping.
Why the Case Remains Open
Despite the passage of time, the sheriff’s office has kept the investigation active. Detectives have reviewed traffic camera footage from nearby roads, spoken with residents along the corridor, and followed up on every tip that has come in. So far, those efforts have not produced an arrest. Cold-case reviews like this one often hinge on a single new piece of information. Someone who was driving nearby that night, or who heard something later, may hold the missing detail. The agency continues to treat the case as solvable.
How Residents Can Help Now
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. Tips can be submitted anonymously through the department’s tip line or online portal. Even small observations, such as a vehicle description or unusual behavior noticed around that time, could prove useful. The sheriff’s office has emphasized that no detail is too minor. Investigators review every submission and cross-reference it with existing evidence. Fresh eyes on the case sometimes surface connections that were not obvious two years ago.
Key details to remember: – Date: May 17, 2023 – Location: County Road 640, Polk County – Victim: Valrico man struck in hit-and-run – Status: Investigation ongoing; public tips requested
The family of the victim has waited more than two years for answers. Detectives say the right tip could finally bring the driver to justice and give the family the closure they have sought since that night…