Pedestrian dead, driver leaves scene after crash

Jorge Escalante, 29, killed by hit-and-run driver

DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla. – One person is dead after a hit and run crash in Deerfield Beach early Sunday morning.

At approximately 3 a.m., Jorge Escalante, 29, was struck and killed after crossing the road in the 800 block of West Sample Road. The driver of the car failed to stop after hitting Escalante.

Witnesses said Escalante left a nearby bar and got into a fight with a woman while they were walking along West Sample Road and North Andrews Avenue. Witnesses said that's when the man was hit.

"I heard the crash, I heard the impact... I looked out the window and saw a white SUV attempting to make a u-turn in the middle of the street, trying to cross over the median strip," said Brandon Jackson who was one of the witnesses who spoke to police.

Escalante was pronounced dead on the scene.

BSO homicide unit detectives spent several hours collecting evidence and processing the scene. They were able to develop a vehicle description which they believe to be a 1992 or 1993 Toyota Camry, or a similar-make car. It is believed that the car is beige in color and is missing the driver's side view mirror. There is also damage to the driver's side fender and door.

Anyone with any information on this case is asked to call Det. Michael Kelliher at 954-765-4321 or Crime Stoppers at 954-493-8477.

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