Police search for hit-and-run driver in northwest Miami-Dade

Jorge Vargas, 61, left for dead after being struck by pickup truck

MIAMI – Police are searching for a driver who struck a man on a motorized bicycle Friday and left him for dead in northwest Miami-Dade County.

Jorge Vargas, 61, was riding his bike along North River Drive shortly after 1 p.m. when he was struck by a pickup truck.

Miami-Dade police said he was thrown off the bike and hit his head on the pavement. Police said the driver of the truck fled the scene.

Detectives are looking for a dark Chevrolet Silverado or GMC Sierra. They said the pickup will likely have damage to the right front headlight, bumper and hood.

Family members are collecting money at the Bike Shop at Coral Way to help pay for funeral costs.

Anyone who recognizes the truck or has any information about the crash is asked to call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS.


About the Authors:

In January 2017, Hatzel Vela became the first local television journalist in the country to move to Cuba and cover the island from the inside. During his time living and working in Cuba, he covered some of the most significant stories in a post-Fidel Castro Cuba.