News Summary
The St. Petersburg Police Department is searching for the driver involved in a fatal hit-and-run that killed 61-year-old Victoria Morley. The incident occurred while she was crossing Dartmoor Street North, and the driver fled the scene. Authorities released surveillance footage of a dark-colored sedan seen nearby and encourage anyone with information to come forward. This tragic event underscores concerns over pedestrian safety in the area, particularly at poorly marked intersections.
St. Petersburg, Florida — The St. Petersburg Police Department is seeking public assistance in identifying the driver involved in a fatal hit-and-run accident that claimed the life of 61-year-old Victoria Morley.
The incident occurred on Dartmoor Street North on Friday night, where Morley was crossing the street when she was struck by an unknown vehicle. The driver fled the scene immediately following the collision. A passing driver later discovered Morley’s body and called 911 around 11:30 p.m. that evening. Unfortunately, Morley succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
Police officials have released a statement indicating their desire to speak with the driver of a dark-colored sedan that was captured on surveillance footage near the crash site. While officials have not confirmed that this vehicle was involved in the accident, they believe the driver may provide valuable information that could aid in the investigation.
This tragic event occurred just two blocks away from Morley’s home, as she was reportedly returning to an assisted living facility. The St. Petersburg Police Department noted that the intersection where Morley was struck is poorly marked with no clearly defined crosswalks, which raises concerns about pedestrian safety in the area.
Sergeant Michael Schade from the St. Petersburg Police Department conveyed that Morley’s family is understandably upset and seeking closure following this incident. Local residents have reported that the area is typically quiet and often lacks the necessary pedestrian safety features.
Due to the characteristics of the area, Schade mentioned that the collision may have been a low-speed incident, suggesting that there may be minimal damage to the suspect vehicle. In addition, the police have noted an alarming increase in hit-and-run incidents resulting in serious injuries or fatalities in Pinellas County over the past month, bringing the issue to greater public attention.
Should the driver of the vehicle be identified, the only current charge applicable could be leaving the scene of a crash that caused death. Schade has urged drivers to remain at the scene of an accident to discuss the incident with investigators, emphasizing that fleeing only worsens the situation for all involved.
The case remains under active investigation, and police are encouraging anyone with information to reach out to the St. Petersburg Police Department at 727-893-7780 or to text “SPPD” followed by their tip to TIP411. The department is committed to resolving this case as they seek justice for the victim and her family.
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Additional Resources
- Patch: Driver in Fatal Hit-and-Run Crash Sought in St. Pete
- Wikipedia: Hit-and-run
- Fox 13 News: St. Pete Police Looking for Driver in Hit-and-Run
- Google Search: St. Petersburg Hit-and-Run
- WTSP: Fatal Hit-and-Run Crash in St. Petersburg
- Google Scholar: Hit-and-Run Accidents
- MySuncoast: Police Search for Driver Spotted in Video Near Hit-and-Run Crash
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pedestrian Safety
- WFLA: Driver Sought in Deadly St. Petersburg Hit-and-Run
- Google News: St. Petersburg Hit-and-Run
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
