SALT LAKE CITY — Police are asking for the public's help to find a suspect who they believe intentionally hit a man riding a scooter early Monday morning in Salt Lake City, resulting in the victim's death.
“It was very messed up. Just makes you start to think how life can just end like that,” said Bryant Larsen, a witness to the hit-and-run.
Robert Boyatt, age 53, is accused of hitting 61-year-old Victor Hershberger around 1:15 a.m. near 1020 West 1000 North. Hershberger died at the scene, and the Salt Lake City Police Department is investigating the incident as a homicide.
“I just miss him and I’m sorry that it happened,” said Coleen Harte, Hershberger’s sister.
Investigators determined that Boyatt intentionally hit Hershberger and that the pair knew each other prior to Monday morning.
“It’s a little unsettling,” said Larsen.
Boyatt allegedly left the scene without attempting to provide aid to the victim. SLCPD said they later found the car that was used in the hit-and-run.
Court documents show Boyatt has an extensive criminal history of dangerous driving and fleeing the scene.
“I hope they catch him. Definitely,” said Harte.
Police advised the public that Boyatt should be considered dangerous, and anyone who sees him or knows where he is should avoid contacting him directly and instead call 911.
Boyatt is described as 5’ 9” tall, 180 pounds, bald, and with blue eyes.
Detectives are also asking those who reside or have a business in the area to look through security camera footage or doorbell video for anything that may be helpful in the investigation.
Anybody with other tips about the incident should call Salt Lake City Police at 801-799-3000.
*SLCPD initially reported the victim as Victor Hershberge and later issued a correction to the spelling of his last name.
