Investigators have seized the vehicle they suspect was driven in a double-fatal hit-and-run crash Sunday night on the Clearwater Memorial Causeway.

The 2002 Mercedes-Benz SUV was taken from a residence on the 10900 block of Lynn Lake Circle in Carrollwood. Bay News 9 is not identifying the vehicle's owner at this point because no charges have been filed yet. Police say he has not cooperated with the investigation and has spoken to a lawyer.

Around 8 p.m. Sunday, a vehicle traveling west on the main bridge to Clearwater Beach struck Viola Flores, 51, and John Berg, 62, who were visiting from the Chicago area. The pair were taken to Morton Plant Hospital, where they later died.


Clearwater Police Chief Dan Slaughter talks about seizure of a silver Mercedes overnight possibly linked to fatal hit and run. (Photo: CPD)

“There is still an awful lot of work to do. Our condolences go out to the family of John Berg and Viola Flores,” said Chief Dan Slaughter with Clearwater Police Department.

Attorney Kevin Hayslett, who is not involved in the case, says it may take some time for charges to be filed.

“They have to prove who was driving the car that left the scene of the accident that involved the death of these two folks,” Hayslett said.

Police will do DNA testing, look for hairs, fiber, or blood that connect that accident to the two victims.

Flores’ daughter and son are both waiting for answers as police continue the investigation.

“The way this happened is so sudden and tragic. We’re still trying to wrap our heads around it,” said her daughter Adriana Flores Munoz. “Somebody took her, and they left her there. They didn’t care about her, her family, or anyone who was hurting.”

Police began searching for a silver Mercedes with front-end damage, which was seen on surveillance video, and their investigation soon expanded from Pinellas to Hillsborough County.

Tuesday afternoon, investigators began staking out the home on Lynn Lake Circle. The owner wouldn't let authorities look at the vehicle, so around 1 a.m., they obtained a search warrant, police say.

The Flores family is hoping for justice, but ultimately they say it will only be a little comfort.

“Whatever the end result is, it’s not going to bring my mom back,” said Robert Flores III.