Driver Flees After Fatally Striking Wheelchair-Bound Woman
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- Miami Police have asked for the public's help in finding the driver who hit an elderly woman in a wheelchair and killed her.
On Wednesday, November 1st, around 7 p.m., Margarett Ruiz, 83, was riding in her electric wheelchair along N.E. 2nd Court when she was struck at the intersection at N.E. 62nd Street.
"She rolled off and we heard the crash," said friend Alfreda Marshall.
Surveillance also captured her final moments in the wheelchair. Marshall said a big garbage can may have obstructed Ruiz's view of oncoming traffic.
"Instead of her coming this way, where she probably could have seen the traffic better, she went opposite," said Marshall.
The four-door, dark-colored vehicle sped off without stopping to help.
"It was hurtful, piercing," said Marshall. "We all tried to go down there and see her, but it hurt. She didn't deserve that because everybody's got a mama, grandma, sister, family member. And you wouldn't wish that on nobody. You could've stopped."
Ruiz was taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital where she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
"We all tried to tell Margarett, don't be riding that thing at night," said Sheila Loggins. "She liked taking her trash over there at night. I wouldn't do that."
Once homeless, Ruiz lived in the close-knit Carrfour Supportive Housing community for a decade.
"It's like losing one of my grandparents, my mother," said Lakeisha Ware. "That's how close we are here."
Police are asking anyone with information on the driver, or the vehicle, which will have front-end damage, to please give them a call at (305) 603-6525. Or, they can contact Crime Stoppers at (305) 471-TIPS. Or, visit crimestoppersmiami.com and select "Give a Tip."
