MIAMI BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - A man accused of hitting a group of pedestrians, including two infants, while under the influence faced a judge, Monday morning.
Five victims are recovering in the hospital as 29-year-old Matthew Miller faced a judge in court, accused of mowing them down in Miami Beach.
“I think he’s a danger to the community and a danger to people walking down the street,” said judge Mindy Glazer during the court appearance.
Miller, who lives in Daytona Beach, stands accused of driving into a group of people near Meridian Avenue and 18th Street in Miami Beach, Sunday afternoon. Five victims were hospitalized as a result.
Paramedics transported the pedestrians to Jackson Memorial Hospital.
The adults were all listed in stable condition. However, the infants were listed in critical condition.
“If you’re walking on the sidewalk, you think you’re safe, and to hear a story like that just makes you wonder,” said resident Joanna Tewfik.
Investigators said that during the drive, Miller also hit road stop poles, a metal trash can and a parking kiosk.
Detectives said it was clear that Miller was under the influence of alcohol or a drug, even when they spoke to him 90 minutes after the crash. Police said when asked if he was on any drugs, he responded, “No, I only took some percocet.”
He was later arrested.
Witnesses said they rushed to help the group of pedestrians.
“They had gotten hit very hard,” said witness Jason Terrence. “I was actually probably like the fifth or sixth person on scene. There was a lot of people outside immediately, but I came running, everybody came running out ot their apartment to try to help.”
Terrence said he saw bodies all over the sidewalk, so he wanted to help. “My heart stopped,” he said. “I couldn’t really fathom what was really going on.”
“I’m constantly praying for everybody, hoping that everybody would make it alive,” said witness Lana Kruglova.
According to witnesses, Miller was unconscious at first.
Miller has been charged with reckless driving and driving with a suspended license. His bond has been set at $250,000, and he has also been issued a no-drive order.
Police have also ordered a toxicology report.
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