NORTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - Detectives have arrested a man in connection to a hit-and-run crash in Northwest Miami-Dade that left a 10-year-old girl dead and her 15-year-old brother fighting for his life.
Arick Metayer was taken into custody after he turned himself in to police on Monday. The 33-year-old suspect briefly appeared in front of a judge on Tuesday morning and was told the charges he’s facing.
“The charges are leaving the scene of a crash causing a death, a first-degree felony, leaving the scene of a crash with serious bodily injury and tampering with physical evidence,” said Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Mindy S. Glazer.
According to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Unit, Metayer struck the victims’ e-bike on Sept. 9 as he was turning onto Northwest 117th Street from Seventh Avenue and failed to yield the right of way.
Detectives said Peyton Williams was riding on the back of the e-bike with her brother, Wilbrent Bain, at the moment of impact. They said Metayer drove off, leaving the siblings helpless.
Peyton succumbed to her injuries at the hospital the following day, and Wilbrent suffered serious injuries. He is still listed in critical condition at Jackson Memorial Hospital.
During their investigation, detectives learned that after the crash, Metayer got out of his vehicle a block away, assessed the damage to his vehicle and drove away. The following day, they said he brought a friend with him to an auto parts store, where he purchased new doors for the passenger side of his vehicle.
DNA found on the vehicle was later linked to Peyton.
As he stood before the judge, Metayer’s attorney, Albert Quirantes, tried to argue that the investigation’s framing of what happened does not prove that he was behind the wheel.
“He knew he hit something ’cause he pulled over to look at his car, then he goes and makes repairs to his car from the junkyard to buy parts,” said Glazer.
“We don’t even have the evidence directly that he was the driver,” Quirantes told the judge.
Cellphone records revealed Metayer had boarded a Brightline train from Miami to Orlando on the same day he replaced his car doors.
The friend who accompanied Metayer to the auto parts store spoke to detectives after learning about the hit-and-run, after which he called Metayer.
“People are talking about you. That little girl died that you hit,” the friend said.
“I know. I’m going to hire an attorney,” Metayer replied.
He surrendered to police Monday night.
Metayer’s attorney has argued that while evidence points to his vehicle being used in the incident, nothing proves that he was behind the wheel when it happened.
“He’s very sorry that his car was used in that but that doesn’t mean he’s admitting to anything, he’s complying with what the law requires, which is making himself available,” said Quirantes.
In spite of those defense claims, the judge ultimately decided to set his bond at $165,000 and ordered Metayer to stay out of the driver’s seat until further ordered by the court.
Should Metayer post bond, he will be placed under house arrest until his trial.
Peyton’s loved ones are planning to hold a celebration of life for her sometime this weekend.
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