MIAMI GARDENS, FLA. (WSVN) - A South Florida family is asking for answers after a father of three and his friend were killed in a crash that they believe was the result of a police chase.
7News cameras captured shattered glass at the intersection of Northwest 175th Street and 39th Avenue in Miami Gardens, Friday afternoon.
It was at this corner that, the victims’ family said, Malcolm Lightbourn and Tarvis Gantt were struck and killed by a car, at around 9:30 p.m., Sunday.
Lightbourn was taken to Aventura Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. Gantt was pronounced dead at the scene.
Area resident Betty Bills said the collision took place right in front of her home.
“They hit right there,” she said as she pointed at the intersection.
Loved ones found surveillance video that showed the moment of impact. The footage shows a car traveling with its headlights off tan a stop sign and T-boned the victim’s vehicle.
Lightbourn’s family said all signs point to a police pursuit because a cruiser with lights on arrived about 15 seconds after the collision.
Loved ones said they want more information from Miami Gardens Police
“Was the vehicle actually being pursued? And if they weren’t being pursued, how did a police officer arrive so fast on the scene?” said Terria Jones, Lightbourn’s daughter.
“They had to be chasing them, for the police out here to be that close behind,” said Bills.
However, Jones said police told them a pursuit was not taking place at the time of the crash.
“What they said was the car was not being pursued at the moment, which doesn’t coincide with the video that we have,” she said. “It just doesn’t make sense.”
“It’s too many unanswered questions,” said one of Lightbourn’s family member.
Gantt’s family also wants answers. The law firm representing them released a statement that reads, “We are investigating all of the circumstances of the motor vehicle accident, and as our investigation progresses, we will share those results.”
Miami Gardens Police Officer Carlos Austin released a statement that reads in part, “The incident in question is still under investigation … at this time we don’t have anything further to release.”
But Jones said that response is just not good enough.
“I’m going to live the rest of my life without my dad,” she said.
While both heartbroken families wait for answers, they prepare to say goodbye to a man they described as a loving father and grandfather.
“His heart was genuine,” said Jones. “It happened to my dad, but no other family should have to go through this, and that’s our biggest message.”
Police said the two people inside of the other car were injured but survived the crash. Lightbourn’s family said at least one of them remains at the hospital. Investigators have not disclosed the extent of their injuries.
Lightbourn’s funeral is scheduled to take place March 9.
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