Man “darting” in and out of traffic on I-75 in Ocala dies at scene

[Photo courtesy FHP]

A 44-year-old Brooker man, who reportedly was darting in and out of traffic on Interstate 75 just north of U.S. Highway 27 on Saturday night, was struck and killed, according to a Florida Highway Patrol press release.

The FHP press release indicates the victim’s vehicle, which was not identified, was parked in the northbound emergency lane on I-75 about one mile north of U.S. 27 and, “according to independent witnesses, several vehicles had swerved to avoid striking (the victim) who was darting in and out of northbound traffic.”

A sedan driven by a 17-year-old female from Ellenton “was unable to avoid the collision and struck the pedestrian with its right front section,” the press release indicated.

A 50-year-old man and 14-year-old male, both from Ellenton, were passengers in the sedan. All three occupants of the sedan were wearing seat belts and were not injured, according to the press release.

The incident occurred around 9:23 p.m. The pedestrian was pronounced deceased at the scene by Marion County Fire Rescue, the press release stated.