Two Cyclists Dead After Burglary Becomes Hit-And-Run
COOPER CITY (CBSMiami) — A car burglary Sunday morning turned into a hit-and-run accident that left two bicyclists dead.
According to the Broward Sheriff's Office, the two riders were traveling near the intersection of Palm Avenue and Sheridan Street when a person in a silver Infiniti crashed in to a another car before spinning out and slamming in to the cyclists.
The two cyclists died on scene, according to paramedics. Detectives say the driver of the Infiniti bailed.
Detectives have not yet released the names of the victims, but by Sunday afternoon, a small memorial had already popped up.
Cyclist Lou Gonzalez said he knew the two riders who died.
"They've been doing it for 25 years," Gonzalez said. "This was their normal route."
Gonzalez wasn't sure if the victims' families were aware.
"It's hard because we spend a lot of time making sure we're safe," Gonzalez said. "We wear our helmets. We obey all the traffic rules."
The Broward Sheriff's Office said this all may have started as a car break-in in the Rock Creek neighborhood, about a mile and a half northwest of the crash site.
"Someone attempting to get in to the back of the house through the sliding doors couldn't get in because two big dogs were inside and scared them," neighbor Zona Horton said. "But it didn't scare them enough to try to go in to their car and start taking things out of his vehicle. And he happened to be at the end of the block and he saw them."
Police were called to that scene just after 7 a.m. Sunday.
"An astute victim actually saw somebody burglarizing his car," BSO spokeswoman Dani Moschella said. "He jumps in to his own car and is able to point out the suspect to deputies."
Authorities say one suspect was apprehended at that scene, but another managed to get away a silver Infiniti.
Detectives believe that's the same car involved in the deadly wreck at Palm Ave. and Sheridan St
Police said the driver bailed, prompting a search that included a chopper and K-9 units from neighboring jurisdictions.
"A Pembroke Pines Police officer located that possible person of interest traveling on foot," Moschella said. "He was taken in to custody. He has not been charged at this point."
Riders stopped by the scene Sunday afternoon to pay their respects. They said the victims died doing what they love.
"We ride everyday because we want to be healthy," Gonzalez said. "We want to be there for our families. And for something like this to happen. It's very hard for us to take."
Two passengers in the red Toyota also struck in the crash were not seriously hurt. They were transported to the hospital for treatment.
