Witness helps identify hit-and-run suspect

ST. AUGUSTINE BEACH, Fla. — For the second time in a week, a man has been killed in a hit-and-run.

Naomi Day told Action News she heard a loud noise outside her home around midnight Wednesday. 

And when she walked outside to see what was going on, she said, "We saw that gentleman laying in the road."

That man was Robert Dale Louk, 53.  Deputies said he was the victim of a hit-and-run. 

"I don't think the person even slowed down," said Day. Sgt. Catherine Payne, with the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office, said the driver didn't get far. 

"There was a witness standing by that gave us some great information," Payne said. 

Payne said the witness described a white Toyota pickup truck, and within 20 minutes, deputies found the vehicle and the man they believe was driving it.   

"At this point we are pretty positive that we've got the right individual identified, and charges are pending for an arrest in a case," she said.

Neighbors said paramedics worked to revive Louk as he lay on State Road A1A south near Florida Avenue, but he  didn't make it.  He later died at a Flagler Hospital. "It's just terrible that somebody hit that guy and just drove off," said Day.

A search warrant has been issued for the vehicle, and investigators got a warrant to get a blood sample from the suspect.  They believe alcohol was involved.

The suspect will not be identified until an arrest is made.

WJAX