Hit and Run Accident in Bradenton

A hit and run accident occurred on Cortez Road and 59th Street West in Bradenton, Florida on Friday March 28, 2008. The pedestrian injured in the hit and run was crossing the designated crosswalk when initially hit while crossing against the signal of a red light. After hitting the intoxicated individual, the driver then proceeded to leave the scene of the accident. The injured pedestrian hit was shortly thereafter taken to Bayfront Medical Center in Florida for treatment.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Aaron Vercella (age 24) was arrested on Saturday March 29, 2008 on charges of leaving the scene of the Bradenton hit and run. The Florida Highway Patrol noted that there was old as well as new damage to the front of Vercella's car. Upon arrest, Vercella told the investigators of the Florida Highway Patrol that that he is blind in one eye and that if he had knowingly hit someone with his car he would have stopped.