Bradenton Police Arrest Driver in Fatal Hit-and-Run Crash Involving Pedestrian

A driver has been arrested following a fatal hit-and-run crash that claimed the life of a 77-year-old woman in a residential neighborhood on Wednesday afternoon.

According to the Bradenton Police Department, officers responded around 1 p.m. to reports of a pedestrian-involved crash in the 5600 block of 11th Avenue West. Upon arrival, officers found Vicki Noon deceased in the yard of her home after a vehicle had veered off the roadway and struck her.

Witnesses reported seeing a gold sedan fleeing the scene immediately after the crash. Officers began canvassing the area for surveillance footage and were able to obtain an image of the suspect vehicle.

During the search, a police sergeant located the vehicle at a residence in the 7200 block of 13th Avenue West, within walking distance of the crash site. The driver, identified as 40-year-old Jordan Beard, was at the residence and cooperated with investigators.

Beard has been charged with leaving the scene of an accident involving injury or death. Authorities say additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues.