The Florida Highway Patrol is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a man who they believe was involved in a racing incident that resulted in a serious injury. The incident occurred on State Road 200, where a white Corvette and a gray or silver Ford Mustang were engaged in a race. The Mustang reportedly cut off the Corvette, causing it to swerve and collide with a Hyundai Prius.
Following the collision, the Corvette veered off the road and struck a wooden utility pole before hitting a tree. The impact caused the vehicle to disintegrate into several parts, and the driver was ejected from the car, landing approximately 154 feet away.
The injured driver was immediately transported to HCA Florida Ocala Hospital for critical medical treatment. The crash took place just west of Southwest 80th Street at around 8:30 a.m.
Authorities have released a photograph of the man they believe to be the driver of the Mustang, and they are also searching for the vehicle. The individual is described as a white male, standing between 5 feet 8 inches and 6 feet tall, with a well-groomed beard. He weighs between 225 and 250 pounds and has two tattoos on his right forearm. At the time of the incident, he was wearing a pink shirt, black hat, and gray Under Armour shorts.
The Florida Highway Patrol is urging anyone with information about the driver, vehicle, or incident to contact Trooper Caroline Whittington at (850) 960-9653 or email CarolineWhittington@flhsmv.gov. Alternatively, individuals can provide anonymous tips by calling Crime Stoppers at (352) 368-STOP or visiting www.ocalacrimestoppers.com.
For further inquiries, please reach out to Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com.
This article was originally published in the Ocala Star-Banner under the title “One driver critically hurt, the other missing after apparent SR 200 race.”
