BRADENTON – A hit & run crash leaves a Bradenton man with severe injuries, and the Florida Highway Patrol continues their search for the vehicle involved.
“I found a headlight, or it’s not a headlight it’s their back break light over here. And then I found some of – my brothers motorcycle light over here,” said Melissa Bynum-Shelby.
Shelby has spent an entire day gathering evidence at the scene of a hit & run crash that left her brother, James Bynum, in the hospital suffering severe injuries.
State Trooper Kenn Watson tells SNN they are searching for a dark and colored Hyundai Sonata between the years of 2011 and 2014.
“We have to watch out for those vulnerable users of the roadway, especially now that school is back in session,” said Watson.
The crash happened at the intersection of 26th St. W. and 38th Ave W. Monday night. Trooper Watson says Bynum was traveling northbound on 26th St. when a vehicle in the opposite direction made a left turn, and struck Bynum sending him flying in the air.
Surveillance footage obtained by SNN shows the moment of impact.
Shelby says she’s lucky the a home on the corner of the intersection has a surveillance camera that captured crash the moment it happened. The homeowner tells her he installed it due to the amount of crashes that occur in the intersection.
“I’m very grateful he says he has it because there’s been quite a few crashes, so I’m very, very thankful,” says Shelby.
Bynum, a Navy veteran, is recovering at Blake Medical Center suffering two broken legs as a result of the crash, with doctors working to save his right foot.
His sister says during these troubling times for her family the communities support in spreading the information to find the driver responsible has been a blessing.
“They shared all of the posts, they’ve been just sending such encouraging words, so if it wasn’t for them we honestly wouldn’t be here,” said Shelby.
The family is offering a $1,000 reward to anyone with information that can help solve this crash. She’s asking for anyone that could help lead to an arrest can call the family at 941-527-6936.
Trooper Watson says the driver could face felony charges for hit and run with serious bodily injury. The number to call FHP regarding this case is (239) 938-1800 or by dialing *347 (*FHP.)