DADE CITY — A 56-year-old Lacoochee man died after being dragged and then run over by a pickup on Mosstown Road on Thursday night.
The Florida Highway Patrol said Eugene Austin Pickett died at Pasco Regional Hospital in Dade City, where he was taken after the accident.
Troopers are looking for the driver of a white truck who reportedly got into an argument with Pickett just before the accident. The white truck also has a blue driver's door.
Troopers estimate the accident happened at 8:30 p.m. on Mosstown Road just east of U.S. 301. The truck was westbound on Mosstown Road when it stopped. Troopers say Pickett was standing next to the vehicle when an argument broke out between him and the driver. Officers don't know why the pair argued.
Pickett then reached into the truck and the truck pulled away, dragging Pickett with it, according to the report.
"He was dragged for a little bit, and then he either let go or fell, and the truck ran him down," said Highway Patrol Sgt. Steve Gaskins.
The driver fled the scene after running over Pickett. Troopers are still investigating the crash.
Pickett's family members could not be reached for comment Friday.
Anyone with information should call Sgt. Heather Glenny toll-free at 1-800-235-6019.
Times staff researcher Caryn Baird contributed to this article. Chuin-Wei Yap can be reached at cyap@sptimes.com or (813)909-4613.
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