Hit-and-run victim identified as 38-year-old Palmetto man

The victim in Monday's fatal hit and run crash on I-75 has been identified as Rusty Lee Harris, 38, of Palmetto, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Troopers said Harris was the victim of an apparent hit-and-run driver.

At 11:07 a.m. Monday, FHP received information a deceased individual located along I-75 near the 240 milepost. Troopers arrived at 11:32 a.m. and confirmed there is a deceased person on the road just north of Sun City Center, according to a release.

This incident currently appears to be the result of an overnight hit and run crash, FHP troopers said.

According to the release, FHP is currently searching for a black in color F150, F250 or Expedition type vehicle, possibly with a flat tire and damage to the right front of the vehicle. From evidence located at the scene of the fatal crash, troopers said the pedestrian was struck and killed in the northbound outside lane of I-75. The driver of the suspect vehicle then left the scene of the crash.

Troopers said after the impact, the pedestrian was thrown to the shoulder of the roadway

FHP Troopers continue to investigate the incident to determine the reason Harris was at the location where he was struck and killed, as well as locating the suspect vehicle and driver. Again, any witnesses to the incident or those with information regarding the case are asked to contact the FHP by calling 813-631-4020 or Crime Stoppers at 800-873-8477 (TIPS) and and www.crimestopperstb.com.

This story was originally published May 4, 2016 at 8:26 AM with the headline "Hit-and-run victim identified as 38-year-old Palmetto man ."