On the morning of Saturday, September 9, 2023, the Tarpon Springs Police Department responded to an incident involving a motor vehicle collision involving a pedestrian. The incident occurred at approximately at 3:41 a.m.
The scene was in the northbound lanes of US Highway 19, just opposite 39016 US Highway 19 N. At this location, a silver Chevy Impala was traveling in the outermost lane when it collided with a pedestrian.
The pedestrian, identified as Issam Hatimi, a 42-year-old resident of New Port Richey, was walking northward along the eastern edge of US Highway 19, specifically along the fog line.
The collision occurred as the Impala’s passenger side made contact with Mr. Hatimi. Following the collision, he came to rest adjacent to the eastern guardrail, which serves as a protective barrier separating the sidewalk from the busy highway.
First responders from the Tarpon Springs Fire Rescue and Sunstar arrived at the scene to provide immediate medical attention to Mr. Hatimi.
Due to the severity of his injuries, Mr. Hatimi was transported to the trauma center at Bayonet Point Hospital. His injuries were deemed to be life-threatening.
Authorities are seeking assistance from anyone who may have been traveling along this stretch of US Highway 19 during the specified timeframe and may have witnessed any aspect of this incident.
If you have any information that could aid the investigation, please do not hesitate to contact Officer Steve Gassen at (727) 938-2849.