SOUTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - Authorities are searching for the woman who, they said, struck an 84-year-old man as she was pulling out of the parking lot of a 7-Eleven in Southwest Miami-Dade and drove away before police could arrive, early Wednesday morning.
According to Miami-Dade Police, 84-year-old Reynaldo Teseda was crossing the intersection of Southwest 268th Street and 137th Avenue when the driver of a black, four-door Acura hit the pedestrian, at around 5:52 a.m.
Police said the driver was attempting to travel westbound after leaving the 7-Eleven gas station, located at 13690 S.W. 268th St. before hitting the man. She then fled, officials said, northbound on Southwest 137th Avenue.
One of Teseda’s closest friends, Josilda Williams, said she believes the incident happened moments after he left her house. “Somebody call me from the hospital and tell me that Rey get hit,” she said. “The doctor told me his neck broke, and he got a busted head, right here.”
She said she knew something was wrong when the victim didn’t answer his phone after leaving her house to go to the bus stop. “Every morning I’m always time to the bus and go watch the bus,” Williams said.
Police said Teseda was hit before he got the chance to get on the bus.
“Man, that is sad. I really do feel bad about it,” said area resident Clarence Taylor.
Officials said the Florida City victim, was airlifted to Jackson South Community Hospital, where he is listed in stable condition.
Area resident Bradford Rice said he’s not surprised by the hit-and-run. “It happens all the time at this intersection,” he said. “People are always getting hit. An older person, I mean, I don’t see how anyone could hit them and drive away. That’s the society we live in these days.”
“Own up to your mistakes. Don’t run. There’s never a good reason to run,” said Taylor.
Miami-Dade officials believe the suspected driver goes by the name of “Chelsea.” They said she is a black female between 25 to 30 years of age, weighs around 200 pounds, stands around 5 feet 3 inches tall and has long curly hair.
Police added that “Chelsea” is a regular at the 7-Eleven gas station.
“It could have easily been me,” said Rice. “You’ve got to be careful. You never know who’s going to hit you and what they’re going to do. People don’t care anymore. Happens all the time around here. It’s a shame. Hope he survives.”
Teseda, a great-grandfather and a father of five, lives alone. His family lives out of town, and he spends most of his time with Williams.
Williams said Teseda takes care of her and cooks for her and now she intends to stay by his side. “Sitting there, don’t know what to do, but Jesus work out for me,” she said.
Investigators said Teseda is likely to remain in the hospital overnight.
If you have any information on this hit-and-run, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a $1,000 reward.
Copyright 2024 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.