Police: Vehicle In Deadly Bal Harbour Hit-&-Run Located, Driver Still Wanted
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – The vehicle wanted in connection with the deadly hit and run of a 14-year-old boy in Bal Harbour has been located and is in custody, according to Miami-Dade Police.
In addition, Miami-Dade police Det. Argemis Colome confirmed on Tuesday, 24-year-old Luisa Fernanda Ahearn was not the driver of that 2018 silver KIA Optima, which struck and killed Ethan Gordon while he was riding his bicycle in Bal Harbour on Saturday.
"She is saying she was a passenger in the vehicle," said Colome.
Police are still actively searching for the driver and continue speaking to Ahearn's attorney who made contact with police on Monday.
Meanwhile, bicyclists and residents of Bal Harbour who pass by the makeshift memorial to Ethan Gordon tell CBS4's Peter D'Oench they are horrified by what happened.
Ricardo Weitzel said, "It is horrible. I think we as bicyclists need to tell drivers to be more conscious of one another. Hit and run right. We are hearing too much of that. The driver should come forward and assume responsibility. That is how it is for those who live in this society. We must be accountable for our actions."
Angela Weitzel said, "This is very sad. It's sad that people don't take more responsibility for what they do. If she was the passenger she knows who the driver was and she needs to take responsibility. Just think if she's on the other side of this story and her son were killed, how would she feel?"
Walking dogs by the makeshift memorial, Mariela Hernandez said, "I think it's a matter of time before they find him. If they found the woman and they found the car, with justice it is a matter of time. I always believe in the American justice system. I know that police will find him and he will be punished."
Kevin Giraldo stopped by the makeshift memorial with his father and said, "This is really sad. Bal Harbour is a place where you feel safe. It makes you think about society and how people are behaving. We have to keep looking for the driver and we have to make justice. He has to pay for what he did. Even it was an accident he should have to pay."
Ethan Gordon was crossing Collins Avenue at the 10200 block when investigators said he was struck by the silver KIA Optima, which was traveling northbound. It happened at 6:13 pm on Saturday.
Detectives said the driver never got out to help, instead continuing north before turning west on 163rd Street.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue rushed Gordon to the hospital where he died.
Police said the 2018 sedan, with Florida tag IYY-I58, had damage to the right front end and windshield.
It's not known yet how police found the vehicle or where it was located.
They are also not identifying the attorney for Ahearn. They also say it is not known how many people were in the car that hit Ethan Gordon.
"Once you leave the scene of an accident with injuries, it becomes a felony," said Det. Colome. "The seconds that were lost here for Mr. Gordon could have been the difference between life and death. He needed aid. He needed help. 911 should have been called. That is why we need help finding the person responsible."
"A lot of times pedestrians are not at fault," Colome said. "We don't know what was the case here but that is why you should remain on the scene so you can tell your side of the story."
D'Oench also spoke by telephone with one of the victim's family members. She said Ethan Gordon's loved ones were too upset to say anything right now.
If you have any information that can help police with this investigation, please call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at (305) 471-TIPS.
There is a reward of up to $3,000.