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Florida doctor accused of hitting, killing wheelchair-bound man, then driving away
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Florida doctor accused of hitting, killing wheelchair-bound man, then driving away

TAMPA, Florida (WFLA) — A Florida doctor was arrested Wednesday after detectives said they were able to connect him to a fatal hit-and-run that took place in mid-October.

The crash was originally reported around 7:35 p.m. on Oct. 12, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.

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Several witnesses reported seeing a car hit a man in a wheelchair. However, the driver, later identified as Dr. Gwyn Norman Crump, Jr., 62, of Tampa, never stopped, officials said.

Gwyn Norman Crump, Jr

Gwyn Norman Crump, Jr. (Credit: Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office)

The victim, Richard Taylor, 53, was taken to AdventHealth Fletcher, where authorities said he died from his injuries.

As the investigation continued, detectives said surveillance cameras in the area helped them identify the vehicle and the license plate. Investigators then went to Crump’s home, where he allegedly admitted to driving the car the night of the crash.

Crump was charged with leaving the scene of a fatal accident, the sheriff’s office said.

Crump made his first appearance before a Hillsborough County judge Thursday.
He has a home on the Davis Islands valued at more than $2 million, but despite that, a public defender told the judge that Crump’s income is limited.

“He is independent. However, his income has been limited for several months and he cannot afford a bond of more than $2,000 today,” the public defender said.

Florida Department of Health website shows that Crump is licensed to practice occupational medicine in Florida. He began his practice in 1999 after earning his medical degree from the University of South Florida.

Records show Crump was previously charged with DUI in 1996 and again in 2003. The state health department’s website did not show that disciplinary action had been taken against Crump as of Wednesday afternoon.

“I want to offer my deepest condolences to the victim’s family during this incredibly difficult time,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement after Crump’s arrest. “While nothing can undo this heartbreaking loss, we hope this arrest brings some measure of closure to our loved ones.”

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