A Valrico man who was arrested Wednesday in connection with a hit-and-run that left a bicyclist dead, has been let out on $15,000 bond.
Deputies said Christopher J. Kimmel, 23, was driving the truck that hit Michael Lee, 29, on the U.S. 92 overpass Tuesday morning.
Lee was thrown from his yellow bicycle over the guardrail. He landed in the retention area about 80 feet blow the overpass.
Deputies said the suspect vehicle did not stop.
Investigators said they were led to Kimmel after receiving an anonymous tip about his 1999 Ford Ranger pick-up, which was found behind Ben's Restaurant on Brandon Boulevard. Deputies matched a metallic green paint chip found at the scene with paint from the hood of the truck, the report said.
Depsite what deputies say, Kimmel’s long-time friend says there’s no way Kimmel could have killed someone.
“I know Chris...I don't think he did it,” said Paul Simmons, who has known Kimmel since they were young kids. “I don't think he would do that."
"He's a good guy, man,” Simmons said. “Hit and run... I think maybe his truck might have got stolen or something. I don't think Chris would do that."
As for the victim, Michael Lee, his boss said he had worked at Central Power Systems in Tampa for the last six years and rode his bike to and from work eight miles a day.
His boss went on to say that he was trying to save enough money to buy a car.
Kimmel, who works at the restaurant, arrived there at 9 a.m. Tuesday to see his brother, who also works there. Deputies said Kimmel's brother took him to Brandon Hospital for treatment of a head laceration.
The manager of the restaurant told Bay News 9 over the phone that the brothers are good employees and that because of what happened, Christopher Kimmel is no longer on the payroll.
Kimmel is facing charges of leaving the scene of a crash involving death.
No word right now on when Kimmel will face a judge.