Four family members hurt, one killed in St. Pete Beach hit-and-run

ST. PETE BEACH — A pedestrian was killed and four others were injured when they were struck by a motorist who then fled the scene Thursday night, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office reports.

The crash occurred about 8:45 p.m. in the 4800 block of Gulf Boulevard.

All the people who were hit are members of the same family, deputies reported.

Hiep Huynh, 70, was killed in the crash. The Sheriff’s Office said the four people injured are Thuong Phan, 77; Hai Pho, 76; Anh Martin, 51; and Tuy Vinh Huynh, 67.

Deputies said the family members were crossing Gulf Boulevard using a crosswalk when they were hit by a red Nissan Juke. The family was walking east to west, headed toward the beach side of Gulf Boulevard.

The Nissan driver exited the public beach parking lot, turned left and head north on Gulf Boulevard, then struck the family members as they crossed the road. The driver then left the scene.

Hiep Huynh was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead, deputies said. Phan and Pho were taken to a hospital to be treated for minor injuries. Martin and Tuy Vinh Huynh were treated for minor injuries at the scene.

Efforts by the Tampa Bay Times on Friday to reach family members in person and by phone were unsuccessful.

“We need the public’s assistance in locating the Nissan Juke,” said sheriff’s Cpl. Travis Sibley. “Anyone who has any information, please contact us.”

Deputies said the Nissan Juke that hit the family is a newer model vehicle that had alloy rims.

Anyone with information about the driver or vehicle is asked to contact Cpl. Jon Dobson at 727-580-4505 or by email at jdobsonjr@pcsonet.com.