A shocking hit-and-run incident was caught on surveillance video in Miami Beach, Florida, resulting in the tragic death of a mother who was cycling.
Esmat Ahmed Ibrahim Khedr, a 63-year-old woman, was forcibly ejected from her bicycle, causing her to collide with the raised curb and sustain a head injury.
Tragically, the wife and mother was quickly taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital, but sadly, she did not survive her injuries.
The police officers swiftly arrived at the scene of the tragic incident on April 28 and immediately initiated a search for the driver who had fled the scene.
According to officers, multiple witnesses reported that the individual glanced back through his passenger side mirror and shrugged his shoulders as he quickly drove away from the scene.
The surveillance footage captures the Bronco as it travels south on Washington Avenue without coming to a stop.
During their investigation, detectives discovered that the suspect had been tailing an acquaintance in a grey Bronco both before and during the crash.
According to detectives, the driver of the grey Bronco stated that he attempted to persuade the individual to go back to the accident scene after witnessing the aftermath.
According to officers, the subject expressed his refusal to return to jail.
The acquaintance expressed concern about his safety, informing the officers that if it became known that he had assisted the police, he believed that the subject would retaliate by shooting and killing him.
Demarcus Harrington was apprehended in Broward just a few days after the hit-and-run incident. He faced charges of leaving the scene of a crash causing death and was subsequently transferred to Miami-Dade, where he was placed in handcuffs.
As witnesses frantically rushed to help the injured victim, surveillance video shows a police SUV arriving at Washington Avenue while on 11th Street.
People in the vicinity are seen signaling the officer for attention.
Video footage shows the SUV making a right turn and heading south on Washington Avenue, leaving the injured victim on the ground and in a state of helplessness, despite the plea for assistance.
Miami Beach Police have recently announced the termination of Officer Edward Cavalie following an internal investigation conducted by the department’s Internal Affairs division.
Miami Beach Police Chief Wayne Jones issued a statement to 7News, where he expressed his thoughts on the matter.
“After a comprehensive investigation, Mr. Cavalie’s employment was terminated immediately. Mr. Cavalie’s actions are not indicative of the dedication and professionalism of the hardworking men and women of the Miami Beach Police Department. Our prayers remain with the victim of this tragic incident.”
Harrington is currently being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center while awaiting his trial.
I have asked for the internal affairs report to gain further insights into the dismissed officer and the methods employed by the officers to locate Harrington.