A tragic incident occurred in Miami Springs over the weekend, where a construction worker was severely injured by a driver who fled the scene. The victim was left in agony until a passing police officer arrived to assist. Subsequently, the driver, identified as Elkis Rivero, was apprehended by law enforcement for multiple offenses including leaving the scene of an accident and driving with a suspended license.
The event has raised concerns about road safety and the consequences of negligent driving. Authorities have emphasized the importance of responsible behavior on the roads to prevent such incidents from occurring.
In the early hours of Sunday morning, a distressing scene unfolded on East Drive in Miami Springs. A construction worker was found lying on the pavement, screaming in pain and pleading for assistance. The situation came to light when a police officer, responding to another call, stumbled upon the victim. The officer promptly provided aid and called for medical support. The worker had been struck by a speeding vehicle while retrieving equipment from his truck, resulting in severe injuries that required immediate medical attention.
The worker's left leg was fractured, and he suffered additional trauma from being hit by the front passenger-side mirror of the offending vehicle. Emergency medics transported him to Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Center, where he was treated for serious injuries. The quick response of the police officer ensured that the victim received timely help, highlighting the critical role of emergency services in such situations. The incident underscored the need for heightened vigilance and adherence to traffic laws to prevent similar accidents.
Following the incident, law enforcement initiated a search for the perpetrator. Shortly thereafter, Hialeah police intercepted the suspect vehicle—a Ford F-150—after it had struck two other vehicles and fled the scene. The pickup truck exhibited significant damage, including a missing front passenger-side mirror and extensive front-end damage, matching the description provided by witnesses. The driver, Elkis Rivero, was subsequently arrested and charged with several offenses.
Rivero, a 45-year-old Cuban national residing in Hialeah, claimed he had no recollection of hitting the construction worker after dining at a nearby restaurant. Despite this, he faced charges of leaving the scene of a crash causing serious bodily injury, knowingly operating a vehicle with a suspended license, and driving with a license expired for more than six months. These charges reflect the severity of his actions and the legal repercussions for irresponsible driving. Rivero's bond was yet to be determined as of Monday afternoon, emphasizing the ongoing judicial process and the gravity of his offenses.