Larry Robinson was killed north of Bartow on Saturday, June 5, 2020.
At around 12:29 a.m. that Saturday morning, the PCSO ECC received a 911 call reporting that a pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle on US 98, about a half-mile north of Ernest Smith Boulevard in unincorporated Bartow.
When first responders arrived on scene, Mr. Robinson was unresponsive, so life saving measures were attempted. Unfortunately, he was pronounced deceased shortly after his arrival at the hospital.
There were no known witnesses to the crash, and the person whose vehicle struck Mr. Robinson did not stay at the scene.
The investigation by the PCSO Traffic Homicide Unit determined that Mr. Robinson had been walking north on US 98 along the east side of the roadway when he was hit from behind.
Due to the absence of vehicle debris at the scene, it is believed that Mr. Robinson may have been hit by a large truck. It is plausible that the driver of the vehicle was never aware that their vehicle hit someone.
Mr. Robinson was also wearing dark clothing, and there was no signs of braking, which suggests that the driver probably did not see him.
If anyone has information about this fatal hit and run, they are urged to contact the PCSO Traffic Unit at 863-298-6200, or to remain anonymous contact Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-888-400-TIPS (8477) or www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com.
