TREASURE ISLAND, FLA. -- A Land O' Lakes man was charged with DUI after fatally hitting two elderly pedestrians and fleeing the scene.
- Man charged with DUI in fatal hit and run
- Aleem Hamid struck two pedestrians on Gulf Blvd.
- Victims identified as Nicholas Desanta, Beverly Gran
Nicholas Desanta, 74, was walking with Beverly Gran, 81, when they attempted to cross Gulf Boulevard in Treasure Island around 6:45 p.m. on Saturday and were hit by a Ford Explorer, driven by Aleem Hamid, 38.
Deputies said Desanta and Gran were initially critically injured and transported to the hospital where they later died.
Adam Hildabrand said he saw it happen from his condo window.
"It was just chaos. You've got 20-30 people out here," Hildabrand said. "I hope that it can lead to a little bit of change out here."
Treasure Island native Sandra Harrison said she sees people running across the busy road daily.
"Oh yeah! And they'll lose a flip-flop and go back and get it. It's very dangerous," she said.
Hamid fled the scene after hitting the pedestrians, deputies said, and was found behind the wheel at 1 Park Place, Treasure Island.
Deputies said Hamid showed signs of impairment and refused to cooperate with investigators. He was arrested at about 8:06 p.m. and transported to the Pinellas County jail.
Hamid was charged with two counts of DUI manslaughter, two counts of leaving the scene with death, and refusal to submit to submit to lawful test of breath, urine and blood.
The investigation is ongoing.