Moped rider killed in Bradenton crash. Hit-and-run driver is in jail, cops say

A 36-year-old Bradenton man is dead and the driver who hit him and tried to run is in jail, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The crash took place just before 11:30 p.m. Wednesday at the intersection of U.S. 301 Boulevard East and Ninth Street East.

Troopers say Ralphie Moreno was traveling north on a moped on Ninth Street, approaching the intersection, when Osvin Varela, 37, of Bradenton, was traveling in the opposite direction in a F-150 pickup.

Valera went to turn onto 301 and struck Moreno’s moped, according to the crash report.

The impact threw Moreno from the moped and he was taken to Manatee Memorial Hospital where he died from his injuries.

Troopers say Varela sped away from the scene but didn’t make it far. According to the report, a Manatee County Sheriff’s Office deputy responding to the crash was able to follow a “debris trail” and find Valera, who had pulled into a business in the 5000 block of 301 Boulevard East.

Troopers say Varela has been charged with leaving the scene of a crash involving death, having no valid driver license and having no vehicle insurance. He also was cited for causing the crash.

This story was originally published February 27, 2020 at 8:12 AM.