Driver takes off after fatally striking bicyclist with Mercedes-Benz

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. ā€“ Miami-Dade police are searching for the driver who fatally struck a bicyclist with their car Friday morning.

Police said the incident occurred around 1:40 a.m. in the area of Sunset Drive and Southwest 109th Avenue.

According to Miami-Dade Police Detective Alvaro Zabaleta, a newer-model Mercedes-Benz was heading west on Sunset Drive when it struck a bicyclist at 109th Avenue.

Zabaleta said the driver fled the scene in an unknown direction.

The bicyclist, identified by authorities only as a white man in his mid-30s, was pronounced dead at the scene.

People who work in the nearby shopping plaza told Local 10 News reporter Parker Branton that the victim worked at Don Burrito and was working late, prepping food for Friday morning.

ā€œHe was a real good worker ā€” very good worker, loved by everyone, a funny guy, young, always working, always coming to work. He would ride his bike. He lives around the corner from here,ā€ said Rick Compana, who works nearby.

Those who work nearby said the victim was heading home for the night when the tragedy occurred.

ā€œItā€™s a shame somebody would hit him and not stop to help him and just left him there,ā€ Compana said.

Anyone with further information about the hit-and-run is asked to call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-8477.


About the Authors:

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