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Hit and Run in Clearwater May Have Been Racially Motivated

May 3, 2011 - Clearwater, FL - According to a report from ABC Action News, a hit and run in Clearwater may have been racially motivated.

Terry Butler, 53, was seriously injured in a hit and run accident on Thursday, April 28, at approximately 1:45 p.m. Butler, who is a city employee, was at the intersection of Magnolia Drive and Brookside Drive when he was struck.

Gerald Christopher Prede, 35, was eventually found by police and during an interview made incriminating statements that indicated the hit and run was racially motivated. Prede also admitted his intent was to kill Butler.

Butler was taken to a local hospital and while his injuries are serious, they are not life-threatening.

Prede has been charged with attempted murder and aggravated battery. The accident is still under investigation.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a hit and run or any other type of accident, you should consult with a Florida car accident lawyer.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's 2009 Florida Crash Statistics, there were 2,558 fatalities as a result of car accidents in Florida.

As a service to the residents of St. Petersburg, our firm will frequently publish blogs about local traffic accidents. We do this to raise awareness about the common types of motor vehicle accidents occurring in Florida that may result in serious injury or traffic fatalities.

Common accidents include, but are not limited to: 

• single-car accidents;
• accidents caused by hazardous road conditions; and
• accidents caused by aggressive driving or distracted drivers. 

If you have been named in this blog or you are the victim's family member or friend and would like the blog removed from our website, please feel free to contact us and we will promptly accommodate your request.

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