for immediate release
August 14, 2004

N E W S   R E L E A S E

The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office is asking for public assistance in identifying the driver and the vehicle involved in a hit-and-run crash in Mary Esther before dawn this morning (Saturday morning).

The vehicle is described as a dark colored full-size SUV or truck with square tail-lights. It was last seen westbound on US Highway 98.

A pedestrian, identified as Jose Apolinar Celso-Martinez, was struck by traffic and seriously injured at approximately 4:17 this morning. Celso-Martinez has left his place of employment, the Hunan II restaurant at 757 E. Miracle Strip Pkwy. (Highway 98), and was crossing the road at the time of the crash. He was airlifted to Baptist Hospital in Pensacola. The victim's age and address were not available.

Anybody with information about the incident should contact the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office at 651-7420 or Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers at (850) 863-TIPS (863-8477). The toll-free number for Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers is 1-888-654-TIPS.

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for more information contact Sgt. Rick Hord, Public Information Officer

(850) 651-7420

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