Hartford police are searching for the man accused of running a red light while driving drunk, hitting a 38-year-old father of six in the city earlier this month.
Frank Morales, 38, of Hartford, was leaving Ernie's Market when an SUV struck and killed him on Albany Avenue the night of March 8.
Police said Luis Junior Acosta, 37, was driving that SUV. Acosta is known to have ties to Hartford, Stafford Springs, Danielson and Orlando, Florida.
Investigators said they talked to Acosta that night, but it was too soon to file charges.
"We did not have enough to make an arrest on site. As a result, we have now applied for an arrest warrant now that we have the evidence we need," said Hartford police spokesman Deputy Chief Brian Foley.
Acosta has missed recent, unrelated court dates, and now police worry he's on the run.
"We think he's still in the state, though there is a possibility he fled to Florida," Foley said. "We're putting his picture out there in hopes people in the public will see him and let us know where he is."
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Acosta is wanted for first-degree manslaughter, second-degree manslaughter with a motor vehicle, operating under the influence, reckless driving and operating a motor vehicle without a license.
He has a neck tattoo “1306” on his neck and a bulls eye with dice on his right arm or wrist. Police said Acosta stands 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs 200 pounds.
Morales' family said they just want justice for the father who stopped to buy cigarettes and never came home.
