NORTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - Police have made an arrest in connection to a fatal Northwest Miami-Dade hit-and-run, Sunday night.
Fifty-nine-year-old Michel Vernet appeared in court for the first time Friday, following the deadly crash that killed 51-year-old Fritznel Auguste. Vernet has since been booked into jail.
According to police, surveillance footage showed Vernet striking Auguste with a white Toyota RAV4 before fleeing the scene along Northwest Seventh Avenue, near 103rd Street.
An arrest report stated the driver attempted to avoid Auguste by braking, but still managed to hit him with the front left side of the vehicle. Vernet then reportedly released his breaks and continued without stopping.
Auguste was later pronounced dead at the Ryder Trauma Center.
“I just want justice for him,” said the victim’s son, Fritznoe Auguste. “It’s very sad. That’s a human being. Just hit somebody and keep going.”
Vernet turned himself in at the Miami-Dade Northside Station, Thursday evening.
The arrest report stated Vernet confessed to being the driver that struck Auguste and was scared his insurance was going to increase. Vernet helped police locate the vehicle at 13865 W. Dixie Hwy., which would later be impounded.
7News spoke with a family friend of the victim who said those who knew Auguste can rest easier knowing that Vernet turned himself in.
Vernet has since posted bail, which was set at $10,000.
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