Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
-Patrol Operations Bureau
-Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT)

Vaclav Duda (Deceased/Pedestrian)
DOB: 7/15/1922
Address: 401 150^th Avenue, Unit 275, Madeira Beach

What:
Deputies assigned to the Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) are investigating a hit and run crash involving a vehicle vs. pedestrian. The driver of the vehicle fled the scene following the crash.

Where:
The pedestrian crash took place in the area of 150^th Avenue and Gulf Blvd. in Madeira Beach.

When:
The crash occurred at approximately 7:19 p.m. on Friday, March 6, 2015. 

How/Why:
Deputies assigned to the Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) are investigating a hit and run crash involving a vehicle vs. pedestrian.

According to deputies, the pedestrian was crossing 150^th Avenue, North to South, pushing a shopping cart, when he was struck by a gray 4-door sedan. He was crossing mid-block and not crossing in a crosswalk at the time of the crash.

The driver of the sedan was observed to exit the vehicle, look at the victim, who was motionless in the road, and proceeded to re-enter the vehicle and leave the scene, traveling Eastbound on 150^th.

The pedestrian, identified as 92-year-old Vaclav Duda, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

With evidence found at the scene, deputies were able to determine the vehicle was a gray Mercedes.

Approximately 2 hours after the crash occurred, a witness reported seeing a suspicious vehicle in the parking lot of the Bay Pines Walmart store, located at 10237 Bay Pines Blvd. in St. Petersburg. When deputies arrived at the location, a gray Mercedes was located with a broken windshield and damaged bumper. The vehicle was unoccupied.

Deputies have been in contact with the registered owner of the vehicle and the investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information on this crash is asked to contact Deputy Jeremy Kurella at (727) 582-6200 or to remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS or www.crimestoppersofpinellas.org.

The investigation continues.