The Fort Lauderdale Police Department is looking for the driver of a Ford Focus who is a suspect in the hit and run death of a 29 year-old Fort Lauderdale man.
Investigators say that the alleged victim was riding his motorcycle on Broward Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale when the suspect’s vehicle allegedly did not yield to the motorcycle and there was a collision. The alleged victim was thrown off of the motorcycle.
Police found the suspect’s Ford Focus on the scene, leading investigators to believe that the suspect fled the scene on foot.
A fatal hit and run, known under Florida law as leaving the scene of an accident with death, is a first-degree felony punishable by up to 30 years in prison.
The hit and run investigation begins with determining the identity of the registered owner of the car. This is easy and can be done quickly. An investigation will always begin with the police contacting this person.
If the registered owner of the car was the driver, and they happen to confess, the arrest is made. A confession is a powerful piece of evidence in a fatal hit and run case so it is best not to make a statement without first speaking with a hit and run lawyer.
If the registered owner does not make a statement, police can use the registered owner’s driver’s license photo in a photo lineup that will be presented to any eyewitnesses. If there are no eyewitnesses, this identification tool cannot be used.
Police will also look for video surveillance, such as red-light cameras, for help when searching for the identity of a hit and run driver.
If you are involved in a fatal crash, Florida law requires that you remain on scene and make efforts to render aid, such as calling 911. If you panic and flee, contact a Miami hit and run lawyer or Broward hit and run lawyer. Do not, under any circumstances, agree to speak with police without first contacting an attorney.