Tampa Police Searching for Driver Who Hit, Killed Bicyclist

Tampa Police are searching for a person who was behind the wheel and caused a deadly hit-and-run crash Tuesday night

According to a statement from Tampa Police Department, on 10/24/2023 at 8:16 PM, officers responded to the 1900 block of E. 21st Ave and located a 57-year-old male bicyclist in the roadway unresponsive after being struck by a car. Although lifesaving measures were performed, the bicyclist who was later identified as Darrell Lee Lawson, ultimately succumbed to his injuries. The Lawson family has approved the release of his information in the hope that it will encourage someone with information that could assist in the investigation to come forward.

Home security video shared with FOX 13 by a neighbor shows the bike flying through the air, while Lawson ended up on top of the vehicle, before eventually falling off and landing in the road. The driver never appeared to slow down, even after the collision, before driving away. Lawson was rushed to the hospital, but doctors told his wife, Valarie Lawson, there was little they could do to save him.

“Our thoughts are with the family of Mr. Lawson during this difficult time,” said Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw. “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.”

Detectives continue to gather evidence and develop leads to identify the driver of the car that fled the scene after striking Lawson. The car, a light blue, gray, or possibly silver, sedan, was last seen eastbound on E. 21st Ave. Detectives are asking those who live in the area to check their own video footage for any recordings that may assist in this active investigation.