A man was found dead in the road early Sunday after an apparent hit-and-run in northwest Miami-Dade, authorities said. Deputies responded to the area of Northwest 31st Avenue and River Drive when a passerby called 911 about an unresponsive person. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue crews arrived and pronounced the victim dead at the scene.
Investigation Underway
According to WSVN, preliminary investigators say deputies determined the man had been struck by an unknown vehicle that took off. The outlet reports the vehicle left in an unknown direction and that no Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office vehicle was involved. Detectives with the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Bureau have taken over the case.
Who’s Investigating
The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Bureau, the specialized unit that handles fatal and critical motor-vehicle crashes, is leading the investigation, per the Miami-Dade County website. That unit typically coordinates with prosecutors and crime-scene specialists to gather evidence and interview witnesses. So far, officials have not released the victim’s identity or announced any arrests.
What the Law Says
Florida statutes require drivers involved in crashes that cause injury or death to stop, provide aid and exchange information. Willfully leaving the scene of a crash that results in death is a serious felony and can carry mandatory prison time in some cases, according to state law. Prosecutors evaluate the evidence and decide on charges based on the circumstances of the collision and any aggravating factors.
How to Help
Anyone with information, dash-cam video or other tips is asked to contact Crime Stoppers of Miami-Dade at 305-471-TIPS (8477) or submit an anonymous tip online. As reported by WSVN, detectives are urging people who were in the area early Sunday to come forward.
