Man killed by hit and run driver

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. (WSVN) -- Police are searching for the driver who struck and killed an a man crossing the street Wednesday night.

The incident occurred just before 10 p.m. in the middle of the street off Sample Road, near Old Dixie Highway. Investigators said, 57-year-old Jerry Schonert was using a walker when he stepped into traffic and a driver traveling westbound struck him. He was killed instantly.

Police looked at the body and said it appears the man was dragged about 100 feet by a sport utility vehicle before the driver fled the scene. Police did not find any pieces of the damaged vehicle on scene to help identify the driver, but, they said, it should definitely have front-end damage.

Investigators also spoke with several witnesses in the area to get a description of the vehicle. "He was struck by a dark colored, older model SUV, possibly a Dodge Durango," said Keyla Concepcion of the Broward Sheriff's Office.

Gary Ready knew the victim. "A very, very nice guy," he said.

Ready said locals always recognized him by the walker he used. "He always carried that wherever he went," he said.

BSO said Schonert did not always rely on his walker to get around but was using it the night he caused the crash.

Ready complained that many pedestrians cross the road and speeding cars present a danger. "They pull right out in front of these oncoming cars," Ready said. "I don't know why there isn't anything being done about it. They come flying down this road."

Police said they do not think the driver was speeding, but failing to stop after an accident now makes this accident a criminal act. "Everything indicates that this man was crossing the road in the middle of the roadway; he stepped onto oncoming traffic," said Concepcion. "If the driver would have stopped, it would have been just a tragic accident, but the minute this person fled the scene it became a crime."

If you have any information on this hit and run, call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward.

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