Clearwater police have arrested a man they say struck a bicyclist in Clearwater Tuesday night and drove off.
Benito Espanol-Cruz, 33, of Largo was charged with leaving the scene of a crash involving injury. He was booked into the Pinellas County Jail early Thursday.
- Police searching for truck involved in hit and run
- Bicyclist hit in Clearwater Tuesday night; suffered serious injuries
- Truck described as a dark pickup with extended cab
Traffic homicide investigators and detectives were able to gather video surveillance and talk to witnesses who identified Espanol-Cruz as the suspect.
Authorities said Cruz admitted he was the driver of the 1999 Ford F150 that struck Joseph Samson, 34, on Tuesday night on Cleveland Street.
The truck was located at the suspect's place of employment in Largo, covered and concealed behind several other work vehicles. He admitted he had been consuming alcohol before the crash.
Samson remains in critical condition at Bayfront Health St. Petersburg.