HIALEAH, FLA. (WSVN) - Police have made an arrest after a woman was run over and killed following an argument over a parking spot in a Hialeah neighborhood.
Hialeah Police, with the help of the Broward Sheriff’s Office, arrested 22-year-old Brandon Zambrano early Thursday morning in connection to the murder of 57-year-old Olga Fernandez.
“I’m happy to inform the community that finally this man is off the streets of Hialeah,” said Hialeah Police Lt. Eddie Rodriguez.
Fernandez, a mother of two, was fatally struck just feet from her home at 400 West 1st Ave., just after 3:30 a.m., Feb. 13.
The victim reportedly confronted Zambrano after he was parked in her assigned parking spot. An argument ensued and Zambrano ran over Fernandez and dragged her for several feet.
“Zambrano starts the car and intentionally drives straight at her so he could hit her with the vehicle,” said Rodriguez. “He had no regard for this woman’s life.”
Police said the suspect fled the scene in a dark-colored Toyota Corolla.
Hialeah Fire Rescue units responded to the scene and attempted to resuscitate the victim, but she succumbed to her injuries.
Investigators said Zambrano was difficult to track down. They said he was using a borrowed car and living in motels all over South Florida.
“He’d been on the run now for over three weeks, and I don’t think he had any intentions of turning himself in,” said Rodriguez.
But Hialeah Police were able to locate the suspect after they found the Corolla.
“We found the vehicle dumped in Miami Springs. Through the investigation, we were able to locate him hiding out in Broward County,” said Rodriguez.
This was not Zambrano’s first run-in with the law. Hialeah Police said he was wanted for burglary in Broward at the time of his latest arrest.
Back in May of 2021, he was arrested in Monroe County for aggravated assault, reckless driving, possession of a firearm, drug possession and additional charges.
The Miami Herald reported that Zambrano “tried to smash into two deputies’ cars during a wild ride on U.S. 1 in the Lower Keys, during which he hit speeds of more than 100 mph with a 15-year-old girl in the car.”
Neighbors who knew Fernandez described her as a devoted mother.
“I’ve known her for many years. A great person, hardworking woman, loved her kids,” said a friend of the victim as she spoke through a translator.
The friend of the victim said she was relieved to hear about Zambrano’s arrest.
“Job well done by the police. Glad to hear he is in custody. This was a major crime, major,” she said. “A monster like that cannot be forgiven by God, by no one.”
Zambrano is now at the Broward County Jail and faces charges of second-degree murder. He will soon be brought back to Miami-Dade to face this charge.
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