PANAMA CITY BEACH — A Panama City motorcyclist died Monday night following a hit-and-run crash on Front Beach Road, according to a Florida Highway Patrol news release.
James S. Dutton, 34, was driving a 2008 Harley-Davidson in the outside eastbound lane of Front Beach Road Monday night about 7 p.m. as he approached Allison Avenue. Meanwhile, Michael R. Morgan, 48, was driving a 2005 Dodge pickup west toward the left turn lane of Front Beach, east of Allison, FHP reported.
According to FHP officers, the pickup turned left to enter Allison Avenue and collided with the front of the motorcycle, throwing Dutton from the motorcycle.
Morgan, of Panama City Beach, fled the scene of the crash, FHP reported. Bay County Sheriff’s Office deputies located him at about midnight at a residence on Lagoon Knoll, a few blocks away, officers reported.
The intersection of Allison Avenue and the outside lane of Front Beach Road were closed for hours as officers investigated. BCSO sent out an all-clear report at about midnight.
Dutton, who was wearing a helmet, was taken to Bay Medical Sacred Heart Health Center where he was pronounced dead from the crash, according to the report. Morgan sustained no injuries and was charged with a hit and run involving death, a first-degree felony, according to FHP. He appeared in court Tuesday for first appearances.
The report also noted alcohol results are pending for both men.