Sister of teen injured in hit and run speaks out

SOUTHWEST MIAMI DADE, Fla. (WSVN) -- The sister of one of two teens struck and injured after a car crashed into their scooter is speaking out in shock that a driver would flee such a scene.

Martha Pereira could not believe someone could hit her brother Benjamin and his friend, both 17, and just leave them in the street. "Of course I'm upset," she said. "He's a kid."

The two teens were riding a scooter at around 2:30 pm., Friday, near Southwest 267th Street and 167th Avenue when the car hit them. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue had them airlifted with serious injuries. "I didn't know what happened until like right now," said Pereira, "when I was going to my house."

Miami-Dade Police and Fire Rescue responded and found the two injured 17-year-olds and the badly damaged scooter in the street. The driver responsible had fled the scene in his car. "It's not good that someone just like hit him and then runs,' said Pereira.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue transported the teens by air rescue to Jackson Memorial Hospital in serious condition. Police said their condition has since been upgraded to stable. They are expected to be OK.

Neighbors said they have seen cars frequently speed down 167th Avenue. But when an accident this serious occurs as a result, they should do the right thing. "It is immoral," said one neighbor about the hit and run, "because when people do a thing like that, they should just stay and say, 'How you feeling? How you doing? Do you need to go to the hospital?' or something like that."

Residents in the area say they have frequently seen the teens riding the red scooter in the area. One was wearing helmet, and one was not.

Miami-Dade police said they are looking for a silver, four-door Honda Accord, either a 2008 or 2012 model, that left the scene. Parts police found at the scene include the passenger side-mirror of the car.

Police continue to investigate.

If you have any information on this hit and run, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward.

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