JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A man has been hospitalized with life-threatening injuries after police say a vehicle fleeing from a traffic stop caused another car to hit a pedestrian walking on the Northside Thursday evening.
Officers with the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office conducted a traffic stop at 13100 N Main Street on a vehicle that matched the description of a suspect vehicle in a reported retail theft just before 5 p.m.
JSO said the retail theft occurred in the River City Marketplace shopping center.
During the traffic stop, the driver became uncooperative and fled the scene heading southbound on North Main Street, JSO said. Officers did not pursue the suspect vehicle in the retail theft in accordance with the agency's policy.
Apporicatmately a half a mile from the traffic stop location, officers said the suspect vehicle crossed over into the northbound lane and struck another vehicle.
The vehicle that was struck by the suspect vehicle left the roadway and ended up hitting a pedestrian that was walking on the side of the road, according to JSO.
The pedestrian, a man approximately 50 years old was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries, officers said.
The driver and single occupant of the hit vehicle did not sustain any injuries during the crash.
Police said the five individuals inside the suspect vehicle attempted to leave the scene on foot but were apprehended shortly after.
Traffic Homicide Detectives are currently on scene investigating. Police said witnesses are cooperating with the investigation.
Drivers are encouraged to use an alternate route of travel until the scene is clear.
Anyone with information on this incident is urged to call the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office at 904-630-0500 or email JSOCrimeTips@jaxsheriff.org.
You may also call Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS.