PEMBROKE PINES, FLA. (WSVN) - A man out riding his bicycle in Pembroke Pines died after, police said, he was struck from behind by an SUV, early Sunday morning, sending the driver and passenger of the vehicle to the hospital.
According to Pembroke Pines Police, the victim, identified as 26-year-old Jonadin Saint-Louis, was riding northbound on South University Drive, within the bicycle lane. As he approached the 1200 block, he was struck from the rear by a 2013 Hyundai Tucson, just after 3:15 a.m.
Investigators said the force of the impact caused Saint-Louis to be ejected and land on the SUV’s hood and front windshield. The victim remained on the vehicle for a few moments before falling on the roadway.
The driver and passenger of the Tucson, identified as 19-year-old Alexandra Olivier and 20-year-old Paula Santiago respectively, told investigators that they initially did not know they had hit someone. “When the airbag went off from the impact, that was their first notice that they had the crash,” said Pembroke Pines Police Sgt. John Baker.
Police said Olivier and Santiago then jumped out of the car, leaving it in drive. “They panicked, thinking the car was on fire, and they both exited the vehicle while it was moving,” said Baker.
The Tucson kept rolling northbound on University Drive until it crashed into a pole on the southbound side.
Saint-Louis, a Miramar resident, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police shut down University Drive near the scene of the crash for hours while they investigated.
Paramedics transported the driver of the Tucson to Memorial Hospital Pembroke and the passenger to Memorial Regional Hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening.
Saint-Louis’ family is asking for privacy and prayers at this time.
As for Olivier and Santiago, police said, only time will tell what happens next. “Somebody died, so we’ll do a complete investigation, and they will figure out whether they’ll be charged or not,” said Baker.
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