GPD seeks help with unsolved traffic crash investigations resulting in death or serious injury

Staff report
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Gainesville Police Department is asking the public for information that may help provide closure to the victims and their families in five unsolved crash investigations.
02-23-000458: Fatal Hit & Run Crash
On January 10, 2023, at about 12:43 p.m., a suspected crash occurred between a vehicle and a bicyclist behind Kohl’s on the access road. The bicyclist was found lying in the roadway with head injuries and succumbed to their injuries. A witness on scene advised that they saw a gray Toyota pickup truck leaving the area at a high rate of speed. It is suspected that the bicyclist was struck by the truck.
02-23-007813 Hit & Run Crash with Serious Injury
On May 15, 2023, at about 10 p.m., officers responded to a hit-and-run crash involving a bicyclist at 4300 W Newberry Road. An unknown vehicle struck the rear of the bicyclist, and the bicycle and bicyclist landed on the south sidewalk area. The suspect vehicle left clear colored pieces of plastic similar to headlight covers. A passerby saw the victim lying on the sidewalk and called 911
02-23-019571: Hit & Run Crash with Serious Injury
On December 10, 2023, at about 1:30 a.m., a vehicle driving south in the 800 block of NW 6th Street struck a bicyclist who was also southbound. According to a witness, the suspect vehicle is unknown, possibly a silver pickup truck. The bicyclist was transported to UF Health under a Trauma Alert.
02-23-000647: Fatal Hit & Run Crash
On January 13, 2023, at about 10:30 p.m., officers responded to 400 SE 9th Street to a bicyclist who was hit by a vehicle. All limbs of the cyclist were broken, and he was in full cardiac arrest. There were no witnesses to the crash itself, but the vehicle is believed to be a semi or a moving truck. The bicyclist succumbed to his injuries.
02-23-018074: Hit & Run Crash with Serious Injury
On November 13, 2023, at about 1:41 a.m., officers responded to 200 NE 16th Avenue in reference to a hit-and-run crash involving a motorcyclist. The 69-year-old motorcyclist was located in the roadway by a passerby, bleeding from the head. The rider was transported under a Trauma Alert. The suspect vehicle is a small, light-colored, 4-door car with dark door trim on the passenger side front quarterpanel.
Wow. .. So many hit and runs. Florida is the most dangerous state for cyclists and pedestrians, but the increase in hit and run deaths of vulnerable users makes that sobering statistic even more chilling. Another reader said it well on this forum last January-
“This kind of hit and run seems to be happening more frequently, more evidence of the continuing breakdown of civil society.” -Edgar
Hit and run cowards need a mandatory 5-10 year jail times.
And the penalties need to be posted on city billboards
These acts of violent cowardice need to be addressed by our feckless city leaders.
Unfortunately some individuals subscribe to the motto: “If you stay you pay, if you flee it’s free”.