MIAMI (WSVN) - Police are investigating after a woman in a wheelchair was struck by a driver who took off in Miami’s Little Haiti neighborhood.
Miami Police responded to the area of Northeast Second Avenue and 54th Street, just after 3 a.m., Thursday.
7News cameras captured officers examining the scene around the wheelchair with flashlights.
Witnesses said the woman, in her 60s, was not in the crosswalk but rather in the middle of the intersection as she tried to cross from one corner to the other.
As she was crossing, the light turned green and a driver passed through, striking her, according to witnesses.
The driver initially stopped but then took off.
“It was only about three seconds after that the second vehicle had nailed it doing about 35, maybe 40 miles an hour,” said good Samaritan Sean Santini.
“The guy came, and he hit her, and then he left,” said one witness.
The good Samaritans already at the intersection at the time the woman was struck split duties, calling 911 and doing what they could to help before first responders arrived.
“I saw her in a wheelchair go about maybe 20-25 feet in the air in the westbound direction when the car hit her,” Santini said. “Once that vehicle realized what had happened, they took off instantly, so I knew there was no help coming for her. I just ran across the street and did the best that I could.”
Santini is a veteran and said he used his training to assess how bad the victim was injured and keep her talking while rescue crews responded.
Rescue crews transported the woman to Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Center.
Police said the woman is being treated for a cut to her face and injuries to her leg.
Police are now searching for a dark, older model four-door sedan. Witnesses said the front of the vehicle should have noticeable damage.
If you have any information on this hit-and-run, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a $1,000 reward.
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