POLK COUNTY, Fla. — The Polk County Sheriff's Office released security footage on Monday of what is believed to be a van involved in a deadly hit-and-run as investigators continue to try to find the driver.
According to deputies, a bicyclist was hit by a "work van" around 6:13 p.m. Sunday while riding on 1st Street NW, near Stroud Road, in the Kathleen area of Lakeland.
That bicyclist has since been identified by the sheriff's office as 36-year-old Antonio Adam Smiley.
Smiley was riding his bike when he was hit from behind by the van, a press release says.
Following the collision, the van is reported to have sped away from the scene.
Smiley was talking with first responders when they first arrived on the scene, however, the sheriff's office said he passed away after arriving at the hospital.
"The driver of the van knew that a person was struck, and then made no effort
to check on Mr. Smiley. He or she showed no concern for Mr. Smiley's
condition. In fact, the only concern the driver had was to get away as quickly
as possible. I can promise you, our detectives are going to do everything they
can to find that van and the person responsible." Sheriff Grady Judd said.
Detectives say they believe the van that hit Smiley is an older model, white Ford E350 work van with damage to the right front area and a non-working right headlight.
Anyone with information regarding the crash or the van is asked to contact the sheriff's office at 863-298-6200.
