Police Search For Mercedes Driver Who Hit Teen
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) - A South Florida academy charter school student remains hospitalized after a hit and run driver left him injured in the street.
Meantime, Miami Police have released a blurry surveillance camera picture of a car which they say sped off after hitting a teen.
Just before 6:30 a.m. Javier Valdes walked into the path of the car when he went to cross NW 22 Avenue at 79th Street, according to Miami-Dade Police. Valdes, 15, was in the cross walk with his 14-year old brother who did not get hurt.
The teen was taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital with severe head trauma and fractures to his face. He is listed in serious condition.
After the accident, the driver of the car did not stop.
"The vehicle had the green light but didn't stop and didn't render aid," said Detective Orlando Sosa with the traffic homicide unit.
Miami-Dade police said after reviewing nearby surveillance cameras, they've identified the car as a silver newer model four door Mercedes-Benz. Police recovered a silver Mercedes emblem from a C-Class model and silver paint chips from the crash scene. The vehicle will have front-end damage and possible windshield damage.
While they search for the culprit, Valdes' classmates are hoping he gets better.
They said Valdes plays basketball and is a bright student at SLAMM Academy.
"He is an amazing kid. We are all in shock," said Isabelle Venero.
Anyone with information on the car or who was driving it at the time is urged to call Crime Stoppers at (305) 471-TIPS (8477) or 1 (866) 471-8477 or go to www.crimestoppersmiami.com.
