FHP investigating fatal hit and run on I-275

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (FOX 13) - Two northbound lanes of I-275 were closed in St. Petersburg as the Florida Highway Patrol investigates a hit and run involving a pedestrian and now troopers are searching for the man who hit him.

Troopers say it happened around 12:30 p.m. Friday near 5th Avenue exit.  

According to troopers, the pedestrian had been helping a motorist whose car had broken down. The victim was walking back to his car when he was struck by a passing vehicle. 

Troopers say the driver, Dana Thomas Byrd, 30, was driving the vehicle that struck the man. Troopers say Byrd then got into the victim's car and drove away.

The father of the victim, identified as Dhimitri Andoni, 22, found his vehicle abandoned, using GPS tracking, and then contacted law enforcement about his missing son. 

Road rangers found Andoni's body near I-275 and Byrd's abandoned F-150. 

Troopers hope anyone with information with Byrd's whereabouts will come forward and call Crime Stoppers or FHP at 813-558-1800.