Ismael Cruz-Pratts, 48, was killed crossing a road in northwest Miami-Dade. (Source: CBS4)
New Year's Eve South Florida Style
MIAMI (CBS4) – Miami-Dade police are searching for the drivers of several vehicles which were involved in a deadly hit and run accident Monday evening.
The accident happened when, according to police, Ismael Cruz-Pratts, 48, was crossing N.W. 17th Avenue at 114th Street.
Miami-Dade police spokesman Javier Baez said the first vehicle, a 2008 Nissan Altima, to hit Cruz-Pratts remained on the scene. As the driver got out to help, two other cars struck Cruz-Pratts as he struggled to sit upright. The driver of both of those vehicles sped away.
Ismael Cruz-Pratts (Source: Miami-Dade Corrections)
“He’s the father of three girls, he’s got various grandkids,” said Cruz-Pratt’s friend Lilly Franqui.
Franqui said Cruz-Pratts was a good father, a good grandfather and a good guy who will be missed.
She urged the two drivers who sped off to turn themselves in to police.
“It’s a shame that somebody is going to hit and leave him there and he’s dead. Please turn yourself in,” said Franqui. “Or if you have any information pleas contact the police department. I’m pretty sure those little girls and those grandkids would appreciate it.”
Neighbors were horrified to find out the two drivers took off after they hit Cruz-Pratt.
“That’s terrible, I just thank God it wasn’t my children or anything like that, or kids or anybody walking around,” said Davita Hopkins, “That’s terrible.”
Those who live on the street say the lights have been out for a while and the only thing illuminating the street Monday night were police cars and television cameras.
“It’s been three weeks, people been reporting the lights, the lights, the lights,” said George Natar. “It took death to, maybe tonight, we’ll have some lights.”
According to police, witnesses said the other two vehicles may be a dark-colored Cadillac and a red Honda.
Friends said Cruz-Pratts was down on his luck and living in an abandoned home in the area where he was hit. They add he was planning on moving to Illinois where he thought he would have better luck.
