Teen injured in hit-and-run crash in northwest Miami-Dade

Victim struck by silver Mercedes while crossing street, police say

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – A 15-year-old boy was struck by a car Monday morning while crossing a street in northwest Miami-Dade, police said.

According to Miami-Dade police spokeswoman Jennifer Capote, Javier Valdes was hit by a silver newer-model Mercedes C-Class about 6:30 a.m. while attempting to cross Northwest 22nd Avenue in the designated crosswalk.

Local 10 News reporter Layron Livingston was at the scene shortly after as Valdes' Miami Heat hat and backpack were left in the road.

Family members told Livingston that Valdes is a sophomore at the Sports and Leadership Academy (SLAM) and was had just gotten off a bus with his younger brother and was attempting to catch a second bus when he was hit.

They said Valdes, who is 6 feet 4 inches tall, loves basketball and was carrying a basketball when he was struck by the car.

A witness told police that the driver, who was heading south on 22nd Avenue, had the green light.

But police said the driver fled the scene and will now face charges if they are caught.

"They left the scene. If they would have remained at the scene, they would not have been at fault for the crash," traffic investigator Orlando Sosa said. "They did have the green light. They had the right away and, unfortunately, once they leave the scene it becomes more difficult for them as far as what punishment will be handed to them."

Valdes was taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital in critical but stable condition. Police said he suffered head injuries in the crash.

Anyone with information about the hit-and-run is asked to call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. A reward of up to $1,000 is being offered for information that leads to an arrest.


About the Authors:

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.

Layron Livingston made the move from Ohio's Miami Valley to Miami, Florida, to join the Local 10 News team.