MIAMI GARDENS, FLA. (WSVN) - Police are asking for the public’s help to find a man who, they said, is a person of interest in a fatal hit-and-run in Miami Gardens.
Miami Gardens Police are looking for Brandon Hunter, who is wanted for questioning related to a hit-and-run in the area of North Miami Avenue and Northwest 189th Terrace between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. on March 9. Police have not clarified Hunter’s involvement in the incident.
Miami Heat officials have identified the victim killed in the crash as 35-year-old Stephan Maze, who was a part of the security team for the AmericanAirlines Arena.
“It’s sad that we have to go through this pain and try to piece the puzzles and story together,” a close friend of Maze, who did not share his name, said. “Steph was the type of guy that will pretty much take his shirt off his back and give it to you. A loving guy, always smiling, the life of the party.”
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) March 13, 2021
Maze worked for the arena for five years. According to the victim’s family, Maze was heading to work when he was killed, and the crash occurred just a couple of feet from his apartment complex.
The force of the impact caused both cars involved to be thrown across the street.
“Getting ready to leave to go to work, and before you know it, that’s when the tragedy happened,” Maze’s friend said. “The person that hit Steph jumped out of one car and jumped in another car. It’s an act of cowardliness.”
On Wednesday, nearly one month after the tragic incident, a makeshift memorial still stands, with the debris from the crash laying close by.
“Just come forward, you know what I mean? There’s money on the line we’re putting out for the tip,” Maze’s friend said. “If you know anything, say something.”
The Heat honored Maze during a recent home game with a moment of silence before the game and with his photo on the outside of the arena.
If you would like to donate to their GoFundMe, click here.
If you have any information on this fatal 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 $5,000 reward.
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