A Hit-and-run in Miami has left a family shattered and searching for justice after 40-year-old Tomas Brito was struck and killed by a car in Little Havana. According to WSVN, the incident occurred Tuesday night at the intersection of Southwest Ninth Avenue and Eighth Street, where Brito was hit by a vehicle whose driver fled the scene without rendering aid.
Brito was crossing the street, apparently distracted by a cellphone, when he was nearly missed by a first car before being hit by a second vehicle. Captured on a nearby dashcam, the distressing footage shows him being thrown into the air as the vehicle continues on, disappearing from view. In the aftermath, onlookers were heard screaming and rushing to aid the victim. Sadly, despite efforts by the paramedics from Miami Fire Rescue, Brito succumbed to his injuries after being taken to Ryder Trauma Center.
Kaydi Brito, the victim's 15-year-old daughter, is heartbroken over the loss of her father. "I'm never going to see my dad again, because someone didn't want to stop and help," she told CBS News Miami. "He was a good person. That should not happen to anyone." Kaleb Brito, the victim's 17-year-old son, is also devastated. "He meant everything to me. He was my dad," he said. "This still hasn't sunk in."
Authorities recovered a silver BMW with damage consistent with the accident, abandoned near the crash site off Coral Way at S.W. 22nd Avenue. "Now we know we have the vehicle, the damage on it was consistent with the accident," said Miami Police Officer Michael Vega, suggesting it is only a matter of time before the driver is found. Officer Vega reminded the public of the critical importance of staying at the scene after an accident. "If you are involved in an accident, even if you don't have a driver's license or insurance, stay on the scene," he said.
Meanwhile, Britt's surviving family members, including his mother Dulce del Pino, are making impassioned pleas for the suspect to come forward. "Please, I want to tell the person who killed my son, please, go to the police and say 'I did it,'" Del Pino pleaded with WSVN. Anyone with information is urged to call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. A reward of up to $5,000 is on offer for information that leads to the driver's arrest.
