Driver Left Man For Dead In Roadway
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MIAMI BEACH (CBSMiami) - Miami Beach police have asked for the public's help in finding a driver who hit a partially blind man and then left him in the street for dead.
The accident happened on June 20th around 3 a.m.
Police said 48-year old Alfredo Rodriguez had just gotten off a bus at 67th and Collins Avenue after working all night with his wife at a South Beach Restaurant when he was struck.
Surveillance cameras captured an SUV driving off and a Rodriguez's body lying on the ground.
Miami Beach Police said the driver of that SUV never stopped.
"The vehicle fled northbound on Collins Avenue, leaving the victim there to die," said Miami Beach Police Sgt. Bobby Hernandez.
Hernandez said the video shows a bunch of people running to help the victim after the impact.
"What they think is about 50 miles an hour at impact, so he flew in the air for quite a distance. It was a very violent impact," said Hernandez.
Detectives said Rodriguez – who died Monday afternoon – and his wife are new to the United States.
"His life is gone. His wife's life is destroyed. They're from Uruguay trying to struggle…trying to make it in the U.S.," said Hernandez.
Investigators said the dark-colored SUV will have front end damage.
Anyone who has information on the SUV, who may have been behind the wheel, is asked to contact the Miami Beach Police Department (305) 673-7901 or Crime Stoppers (305) 471-TIPS.