Hit-and-run driver strikes, kills migrant worker off Krome Ave.

Police: Jose Rubio-Perez killed while crossing intersection on bike

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – Miami-Dade police are looking for the driver responsible for leaving a migrant worker for dead.

Police identified the victim in that hit-and-run as Jose Rubio-Perez. Tuesday morning, police were at the intersection of Krome Avenue and Southwest 216th Street, passing out flyers to drivers, hoping someone has information.

"Krome is a very populated, heavy traveled road in the mornings," said Robin Pinkard with Miami-Dade police. "(It's) one of the main avenues people take to and from work and they normally take the same routes. So we are out here hoping someone did see something at that time."

Police said Rubio-Perez was riding his bike on Southwest 216th Street when he was struck. The driver fled, but thanks to evidence collected on scene, police have a description of the car.  They're looking for a 2010-2015 dark metallic gray Dodge Ram pickup truck that should have damage to the right front headlight. 

"It is an epidemic that is occurring more and more often and we are trying to advise the public to stay on scene, give information," said Pinkard.

The street where Rubio-Perez was hit is a street where many migrants are either on bikes or on foot, heading to work.

"There are a lot of bicyclists that come through here a lot. So I always try to slow down and back up if I can," said Rebecca Stewart, who lives nearby.

Because of the secluded area, that's mostly farms, police don't have surveillance video or any witnesses. Traffic homicide detectives say in the past seven years, four to five migrants were hit and killed while on their way to work.

None of those drivers were caught, but police hope this case will be different.

Anyone with information is asked to call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS.

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