Man hit; driver charged

By The Tampa Tribune
Published: September 10, 2010

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NEW PORT RICHEY --

A Spring Hill man who was driving drunk hit a man walking alongside U.S. 19 on Thursday, the Florida Highway Patrol said.

James J. Piccolo, 42, was arrested on charges of driving under the influence, DUI causing serious bodily injury and failure to drive within a single lane.

Troopers said Piccolo, driving a 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee north on U.S. 19 about 8:30 a.m., was weaving on the road when he hit Robert Michael Hoffman, 51, north of Stahl Drive.

Hoffman is homeless and had been living in a tent, troopers said. He is listed in critical condition at Bayfront Medical Center, St. Petersburg.

Witnesses should call Trooper J. Hollis at 1-877-428-7815.

Todd Leskanic