Police investigating hit and run crash killing a man in a wheelchair in St. Petersburg

Officers from the St. Petersburg Police Department are currently on-scene of a fatal hit and run crash.

Based on preliminary information, at approximately 7:15 p.m. on Sunday, November 7, 2021, a man in a wheelchair was struck by a vehicle in the 2100 block of 5th Ave. N.

The man struck died at the scene and the vehicle involved fled the scene of the crash.

The victim is identified as Marcelo Benedicto, age 79. He was a Navy veteran who lived a few blocks away from the crash.

5th Ave. is closed in all directions from the 275 ramp to 24th St. for the investigation. It will be closed for several hours.

There is no additional information on the vehicle at this time. Updated details will be posted when released by investigators.