Suspect arrested for hit-and-run that killed bicyclist in Charlotte County

Reporter: Gina Tomlinson
Published: Updated:
Robert Lambie III, 30. Credit: Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office.

Florida Highway Patrol says a man has been arrested for the hit-and-run death of Robert Hurst, 44, who was struck and killed on his bike in Charlotte County Jan. 9.

Robert Hurst, 44. Credit: Shared with WINK News.

FHP arrested Thomas Lambie 30, of Punta Gorda Friday for hitting Hurst and leaving the scene of the crash.

“I worked with [Rob] the night it happened,” Jason Polewski said. “I mean, we said goodbye to each other.”

Polewski didn’t know that would be the last goodbye he ever said to his friend. Now, he and the rest of Hurst’s work family are heartbroken. He said Hurst was on his way home from work.

According to FHP, Lambie was in a truck when he hit Hurst on his bike along Riverside Drive near Dutch Avenue in the Cleveland neighborhood of Charlotte County. FHP says Lambie fled the scene, and state troopers located his vehicle the following day.

“[Rob’s] bike was well lit” Polewski said. “He always made sure of it.”

Lambie’s truck. Photo via Florida Highway Patrol.

Hurst was transported to Lee Memorial Hospital and later pronounced dead.

“We kind of took care of each other,” Polewski said.

There are still evidence markers from the crash on the road in front of Kim Small’s house.

“The driver of the vehicle drove off and left this man laying in the road to die,” Small said.

A white cross stands along Riverside Dr. while Lambie sits in jail.

“I’m glad that there will be justice,” Polewski said.

Lambie faces charges for leaving the scene of a crash involving a death, which is a first-degree felony.

Lambie is in custody in Charlotte County jail.

“Maybe if he did stop and call 911, Rob would be still with us today,” Polewski said. “We were a family, and we stay that way. And he will be our family until we see him again.”

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