Gables Police Seek Driver In Hit & Run
CORAL GABLES (CBS4)- Police are releasing a surveillance tape and are asking for the public's help in solving a hit and run accident that occurred Friday morning that left a motorcyclist hospitalized.
The tape that was recorded by a camera at a gas station shows the intersection of Lejeue Road and U.S. 1 at 7:23 a.m. Suddenly a black Honda motorcycle is seen briefly on the screen.
The collision happens off camera. But seconds later, a critical image appears, according to Police: a white, Ford E350 passenger van leaving the scene.
There is damage on the right passenger side. It's not known what year the vehicle was manufactured, CBS4's Peter D'Oench reported, but Police know which way the vehicle was headed.
"Once the vehicle hit the motorcyle, it took off northbound on Lejeune Road. It has damage to the right side panel and may have damage to the right rear of the vehicle," said Coral Gables Police spokeswoman, Sgt. Janet Frevola.
Frevola told D'Oench that, "This motorcylist was seriously injured. And we'd like to find him. We'd like anyone with information to contact us."
There's no clear description of the driver who took off but Frevola said he should have never left the scene.
"We don't know why people react that way," said Frevola.
The motorcyclist is not being identified. His wife and other family members visited him at Jackson Memorial Hospital where he was airlifted and is in serious but stable condition.
The Coral Gables Fire Rescue department said the victim was in his mid 20s.
Because of the accident, traffic was backed up for blocks as drivers were diverted around the scene while investigators took measurements and looked for evidence.
If you think you recognize the white van, call Coral Gables Police or Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at (305) 471-TIPS.
