POMPANO BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - As authorities work with a Pompano Beach community to find a driver who left a man for dead near a food market, a newly released 911 recording captures the moments the victim called for help.
According to the Broward Sheriff’s Office, 58-year-old Frank Ali was struck by a dark-colored vehicle outside of Akel Market, near Northwest Fifth Avenue and Sixth Street, June 20. The driver then fled the scene.
Tuesday evening, deputies passed out fliers with Ali’s face near the food market in their search for information that will lead them to the driver responsible.
“We’re hoping that somebody is going to have some information, whether it’s that they saw a vehicle in the area at that time or they know something about the victim,” said BSO spokesperson Gina Carter.
Area residents said Ali had been trying to turn his life around.
“He was trying to find his way. He was trying to find God,” said Tasha, who knew the victim.
“He was always so sweet,” she added.
Homicide detectives are asking for the public’s help to find the driver who struck 58-year-old Frank Ali on June 20th in Pompano Beach and fled the scene. Read more: https://t.co/TqSFgoW8V9 pic.twitter.com/GzAjrdjgE5
— Broward Sheriff (@browardsheriff) August 14, 2018
Officials said Ali dialed 911 despite having sustained serious injuries. The recording captures the panic in his voice.
“I got ran over by a car,” he said. “I was sleeping … I got ran over by a van.”
“I have to send the police and the paramedics out, OK?” said the operator. “Are you injured?”
“Yes, ma’am,” Ali replied. “He ran over me.”
After the operator told the victim to stay on the phone, she added, “After the car hit you, you say the car left, correct? The car is not there?”
“Nah, the car is not there,” Ali replied. “I need to go to the hospital.”
Deputies said Ali died of his injuries at Banyan Health Systems in Pompano Beach on Aug. 10, seven weeks after the incident.
“He was doing everything he can to get his life back in order,” said Gregory Smith, who knew the victim. “Difficult process for some people, for a lot of people and now a hit-and-run? It was taken away from him.”
If you have any information on this hit-and-run, call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a $3,000 reward.
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