1 dead, 6 injured after hit-and-run in NW Miami-Dade

NORTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - Police are seeking the public’s help in their search for the driver behind a hit-and-run in Northwest Miami-Dade that left a man dead and sent six others to the hospital.

According to Miami-Dade Police, the crash took place near Northwest 119th Street and 22nd Avenue, at around 12:35 a.m., Monday.

7SkyForce hovered over the scene where a mangled Toyota Sienna could be seen in the roadway.

Investigators said seven people were inside the minivan heading east on 119th Street when the driver of a Dodge Charger hit them from behind.

Surveillance video showed the speeding red Charger as it crashed into the back of the minivan.

Police said a 23-year-old man who was sitting in the back part of the Toyota, on the right side, was transported to Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Center in critical condition. He later succumbed to his injuries.

Loved ones have identified the victim as Christopher Lopez.

The remaining six victims were last listed in stable condition.

Officials said the person responsible for the crash fled the scene on foot and never checked on the people he hit.

“A 23-year-old who lost his life caused by a hit-and-run, somebody who didn’t want to stick around to even see if they needed medical attention, did not seek or render aid,” said MDPD detective Alvaro Zabaleta.

7News cameras captured family members consoling each other outside of the hospital after finding out Lopez did not survive.

In a GoFundMe page created to help his family with funeral expenses, a friend described him as kind and compassionate.

The mother of the deceased victim is pleading for anyone who saw anything to say something.

Zabaleta echoed her request for information. Police released a flyer Monday evening hoping it will help lead to tips.

“Like any other case, you can’t work a case without the help of the community and having the community involved, and that’s why we’re urging the community to come forward,” he said.

Both eastbound and westbound traffic was shut down on Northwest 119th Street while police investigated. The roadway has since reopened.

Police continue to investigate.

“Let’s help this family get a little bit of closure. It’s bad enough that they lost a 23-year-old family member, a young man just starting his life,” said Zabaleta. “Let’s help them be able to close this chapter and identify this person who’s responsible for this.”

If you would like to make a donation to the GoFundMe page set up for Lopez’s family, click here.

If you have any information on this fatal 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 $3,000 reward.

Copyright 2024 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.