The West Palm Beach Police Department is asking for the public’s help tracking down a driver involved in a hit- and-run that left one man dead.
On June 13, John Pologruto found 57-year-old Fernando Perez left for dead in the street. He called 911 and waited until police arrived. There was no sign that a car had hit him, until officers arrived and found a small car part in the road.
“I was shaken up a little,” Pologruto said, “I was first sad and then got real mad that someone could just mow down another human and take off.”
Detectives say they’re trying to get justice and closure for Perez’s family members, who live in Puerto Rico.
Officers say they found the passenger side view mirror cover of a deep purple Nissan Maxima in the road near where Perez had been hit. They say it's from a basic, 2009 through 2014 model.
The case's lead detective, James Ingrassia, says Nissan is helping with the investigation.
"They have been reaching out to their dealers and all of their suppliers trying to find out if a piece was ordered or if anybody has come in for the necessary repairs to the passenger side view mirror," Ingrassia says.
Police say other body shops should be on the lookout as well.
Detectives are also asking the public to be aware, in case the driver has not had the mirror fixed. They say the back of the mirror would be black, rather than deep purple like the rest of the car.
Anyone with any information is asked to call Officer Ingrassia at (561) 822-1627 or Crime Stoppers at 800-458-TIPS.
