Surveillance video shows deadly hit-and-run as family members speak out
MIAMI - Grieving loved ones are speaking out after a beloved, father of two children is killed in a hit-and-run crash in Miami and new surveillance video shows the crime.
Kaydi Brito, 15, shed tears for her father Tomas Brito who had just turned 40 and who was struck by a car just after 8:30 p.m. Tuesday while walking across S.W. 8th St. near S.W. 8th Ave. to a convenience store in Little Havana.
She told CBS News Miami's Peter D'Oench, "I'm never going to see my dad again, because someone didn't want to stop and help. That should not happen to anyone. He was a good person. That should not happen to anyone."
The victim's 17-year-old son Kaleb Brito said, "He meant everything to me. He was my dad. I found out about it this morning. It was horrible. I was told the news by my mom. I came over here immediately. That still hasn't sunk in."
He said, "Somebody took off and they could have saved a life. They just left him there without pulling over. It was horrible."
Brito's son, daughter and mother came to the scene searching for answers.
Surveillance tape from a UNIK Jewelry on S.W. 8th St. shows Brito walking across S.W. 8th St. and a car approaching him and hitting him. Then, it took off without stopping.
Brito's mother Dulce Del Pino said, "This is difficult. I don't have the words to say. I can't believe it. It is very hard because if you do a crime and if you know something, please help the victim and do something. Don't stop."
Del Pino said, "If somebody knows something, please call the police. I want justice. That can help solve this crime."
Miami Police spokesman, officer Mike Vega said the suspect's damaged, silver BMW was recovered Wednesday morning off Coral Way at S.W. 22nd Avenue.
"This was the vehicle in the hit and run and the damage was consistent with what happened."
Vega said police believe they know who the driver is, but they have not found that person.
Vega said this was another example of why you should never leave the scene of an accident.
He said, "We have talked about it over and over again. If you are involved in an accident, even if you don't have a driver's license or insurance, stay on the scene. Stay there."
"If that person would have stayed on the scene, it was a pedestrian error. The victim crossed mid-block where you are not supposed to cross and the driver might not have faced any charges."
Vega said, "Now that driver will face a charge of leaving the scene of an accident with a death. And there could be other charges too."
Anyone with information that can help find the driver should call Miami Police or MIami-Dade Crime Stoppers at (305) 471-TIPS (8477).
There is a reward of up to $5,000.
