NORTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - A driver behind a chain reaction crash may have fled the scene but not before one of the drivers involved in the crash snapped a photo of him.
Authorities are using the photo of the driver who allegedly caused the multi-vehicle crash in Northwest Miami-Dade as a crucial clue in their continuing search for him, Wednesday.
The hit-and-run took place on Tuesday at around 7:45 p.m. in the area of Okeechobee Road and Northwest 118th Avenue.
Officials said there was a total of four vehicles involved. One victim hit said he helped the driver who crashed into him. Instead of thanking him for his help, however, that driver fled the scene, according to the victim.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a dark-colored Infiniti SUV slammed into a white Toyota SUV, causing a chain-reaction crash. A red Ford sedan and a white van were the other two vehicles involved.
The van’s driver, who asked not to be identified or show his face on camera, described the frightening moment.
“This guy came from behind. I just hear the brakes sound, and then they crashed,” he said.
Once his van settled, he hopped out and ran over to the Infiniti SUV.
“The guy that hit us, [his SUV] was really, really damaged,” he said.
The van driver told 7News that after the impact, he helped the driver of the Infiniti out of the vehicle. About three to four minutes later, he said, that driver fled on foot.
Before he got away, the van’s driver took a photo of him. Officials confirmed the man, seen wearing a black leather jacket, red shoes and khaki shorts, is the driver they’re looking for.
The van driver said he smelled alcohol when he helped the driver of the Infiniti.
“Oh, yeah, alcohol, big time,” he said.
When asked whether he thought the motorist was driving under the influence, the van driver replied, “Definitely.”
Officials said the driver of the SUV that triggered the crash took off running right after impact.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue transported two people inside the red Ford to the hospital with minor injuries. A man and his son inside the Toyota SUV walked away with no injuries.
Officials continue to search for the driver in the picture.
If you recognize the subject, 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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