Authorities in the Pinellas County, Florida are looking for a suspect in connection with a hit-and-run wreck that killed a sheriff’s deputy. Officials added that the entrance to I-275 northbound at Roosevelt Boulevard was closed.

Also read: Spain women’s football team: 15 players resign over differences with coach Jorge Vilda

The incident occured shortly after 11 PM Thursday on Interstate 275 in Pinellas County, as per WTSP and Bay News 9.

“Detectives are investigating a fatal deputy involved hit-and-run crash,” the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office wrote in a Facebook post early Friday. 

Also read: Wolf Hall to The Mirror and the Light: All Hilary Mantel books

 “Deputies are actively searching for the suspect. The following roads are closed until further notice: Southbound I-275 traffic will be diverted onto Ulmerton Road. Northbound I-275 traffic will be diverted onto Gandy Blvd. Expect traffic delays until midday,” the post added. 

The sheriff’s office further said that the northbound I-275 entrance at Roosevelt Blvd is closed.

Also read: Apple’s 16.02. update fixes grinding noises, permission bugs and more

“Southbound traffic onto I-275 at Roosevelt Blvd will remain open. Eastbound and westbound lanes of Roosevelt Blvd are open.”

The sheriff’s deputy has been identified as Michael Hartwick. K-9s, helicopters and all-terrain vehicles are involved in the search, according to Bay News 9.

“It is with extraordinary sadness that we announce that Deputy Michael Hartwick was killed in the line of duty late Thursday evening as a result of a hit and run crash on I-275 in St. Petersburg. The suspect is still at large,” the department said.

Also read: South Korea’s opposition party demanding President Yoon Suk-Yeol’s apology: Here’s why

Hartwick is survived by his two sons. 

“We would like to extend our sincerest condolences to Deputy Hartwick’s family during this difficult time. Please keep his loved ones along with our PCSO family in your thoughts and prayers.”