FHP impounds vehicle suspected in fatal hit-and-run in North Fort Myers
Authorities have impounded a vehicle suspected in a Monday morning hit-and-run crash.
The Florida Highway Patrol reported that an unknown vehicle was traveling westbound on state Route 78, approximately 50 feet west of Woodward Avenue and approaching U.S. 41. A Ford Explorer, being driven by Louis Barella, 66, of Cape Coral, was also traveling westbound on SR 78 in the outside lane.
At about 5:27 a.m., the front of the unknown vehicle hit a pedestrian, later identified as Roy Morrison, 62, of Fort Myers. The impact forced Morrison west, and Barella attempted to swerve but could not.
As a result, the right front and undercarriage of the Ford struck Morrison, according to the FHP. Morrison came to a final rest on SR 78 in the outside lane. He sustained fatal injuries in the crash.
Barella was not injured, nor was his sole passenger, Victoria Barella, 62, also of the Cape.
Barella has not been charged.
Authorities asked the public for any information on the unknown driver or the vehicle, which was possibly a 1988 to 1992 Chevrolet pickup or SUV with damage to the right front amber marker lens.
On Friday, the FHP reported that it had impounded the vehicle – a 1990 Chevy 1500.
The investigation is ongoing.