FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) - Police are searching for the driver of a dark-colored Jeep Wrangler involved in a fatal incident early Sunday involving a pedestrian.
According to the Fort Lauderdale Police Department, a man, identified as 73-year-old Esperant Lahens, was found unresponsive at around 6:25 a.m. Sunday on the 100 block of Northwest First Street. A passerby discovered Lahens and called 911.
Authorities released surveillance video which, they said, shows the Jeep turning right to find a parking spot on Northwest First Street. Soon after, the possible driver and passengers of the Jeep walk downtown, dressed in their costumes, to a Halloween party.
Video also shows Lahens had been lying in front of the Jeep around 2:06 a.m. when the vehicle’s occupants returned.
As the driver pulled forward, the Jeep drove over Lahens, who was positioned near the curb. It is unclear if the driver knew Lahens was there.
A few hours later, the passerby found the unresponsive man and called police as he tried to give him CPR.
“Pushed his chest with both hands,” said Demetrius Wallace.
“Was it working? Was he breathing or trying to breathe?” asked 7News’ reporter Brandon Beyer.
“I mean it sounded like he was,” said Wallace.
Upon the paramedics arrival, authorities pronounced Lahens dead at the scene.
The driver is not currently accused of any crime, as police said they might not even know they ran over someone.
“We don’t have a crime to charge anyone with at this point because we don’t believe the driver was aware that there was a pedestrian sleeping in front of a vehicle,” said FLFR spokesperson Casey Liening.
Police are seeking to identify the individual to assist in their investigation.
“If the driver recognizes themselves in the video, come forward, let’s talk to investigators,” said Liening.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Traffic Homicide Investigator Russell Brown at 954-828-5754 or Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS (8477).
Copyright 2024 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.