Police searching for driver who intentionally ran over tortoise in Florida

DUNEDIN, Florida (WABC) -- A search is on in Florida for a heartless driver who deliberately ran over a turtle that is on the endangered species list.

The video above may be disturbing for some viewers.

It happened Saturday in Dunedin, on the Gulf Coast. A driver stopped as the Gopher Tortoise was crossing a road outside an elementary school.

The driver then intentionally ran over the tortoise, which is a protected animal under state law.

Vets tried to save the tortoise but its shell was crushed and its internal organs were badly injured.

Police are looking for a light colored possibly newer model Acura TSX possibly light blue or silver in color, equipped with a sunroof and 5 spoke wheels.

----------

* Follow us on YouTube

* More local news

* Send us a news tip

* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts