‘Like nothing had happened’: Clearwater hit-and-run driver drags scooter for half a mile, police say
CLEARWATER, Fla. (WFLA) — The 80-year-old victim of a hit-and-run in Clearwater has died of his injuries, officials said.
According to Clearwater police, the incident occurred at the intersection of Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard and Hampton Road on Monday.
Police said Ernest Coluzzi had just crossed the street in his mobility scooter and was waiting on the sidewalk curb when Kris Paterson hit him.
“What happened, unfortunately, is that the truck pulled out, turned, and clipped the side of the scooter, dragging the victim under the wheels and the scooter, as well,” said Clearwater police spokesman Rob Shaw.
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According to police, Paterson continued driving and dragged the scooter under his vehicle for half a mile.
“He turns right on Bay View Avenue, pulls over, and is trying too get the scooter unwedged from underneath his truck,” Shaw said.
Paterson removed the scooter from under his truck and continued driving.
“Like nothing had happened,” Shaw said.
Investigators said Paterson told them he was aware he hit something but did not know it was a person, and he was running late for work. Patterson is from Pasco County and works in Bradenton.
Witnesses followed Paterson and were able to give police pictures, videos and more information, authorities said.
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Others rushed to help Coluzzi until first responders could arrive.
Paterson was arrested for leaving the scene of a crash with serious injury. The State Attorney’s Office said Paterson’s charge will be upgraded to leaving a crash involving a death.
People in the area said the intersection is hard to cross because drivers aren’t paying attention.
“There was another car here that jumped back in her car, I think they went after him to try to get the tag. He had hit the man, the man was laying out in the road,” said a witness, Mike Peasley. “What I saw was a guy on a wheelchair is gone, so apparently, he drug that wheelchair quite a way up the road.”
People nearby said Coluzzi lived in the area and was often seen riding his scooter.
Paterson is currently out on bond.
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