MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FL. (THECOUNT) — The vehicle involved in a northwest Miami-Dade hit-and-run that killed 10-year-old Peyton and critically injured her older brother, Brent, has been located, authorities announced Saturday.
According to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, Traffic Homicide Unit detectives located the vehicle believed to have struck the siblings Wednesday night. The vehicle is now in the agency’s custody.
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No arrest had been announced as of Saturday. Investigators are urging the driver involved in the fatal crash to come forward and turn themselves in.
The siblings were riding an e-bike near Northwest 117th Street and Northwest Seventh Avenue when they were struck at approximately 8:40 p.m. Wednesday, according to authorities.
Investigators said the driver was operating a silver or gray 2009-2012 Nissan Versa northbound on Northwest Seventh Avenue and approaching Northwest 117th Street. The driver allegedly made a left turn onto Northwest 117th Street and struck Peyton and Brent as they traveled along the roadway on the e-bike.
Authorities said the driver fled the scene in an unknown direction following the collision.
Deputies arrived to find both children unresponsive and lying in the roadway. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue transported the siblings to Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Center in critical condition.
Peyton later died from her injuries. Brent remained hospitalized following surgery, according to the family.
The children’s aunt, Patrice, told Local 10 News that the siblings were inseparable.
“They always were together. Always were together,” Patrice said.
She remembered Peyton as a cheerleader who was full of life and loved by those around her.
“She was a cheerleader, you know, full of life. Everybody loved her,” Patrice said. “And now for this to happen and no one to come forward, it’s just senseless.”
A makeshift memorial of candles, balloons and other tributes was established near the intersection where the children were struck.
The family has pleaded with the driver to surrender and provide information about the crash.
“They need to turn themselves in, period,” Patrice said. “Just turn yourself in.”
“I just hope somebody just comes forward,” she added. “Have a heart, please. Because this could have been anybody’s kids.”
Authorities have not released the name of the driver or explained why the vehicle was allegedly left at the scene. Investigators also have not announced whether the driver has been identified or whether criminal charges are pending.
Anyone with information about the driver’s identity or whereabouts is asked to contact Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS (8477). Tips may be provided anonymously.
The investigation remains active. The driver is not considered convicted of any offense unless and until proven guilty in court.
Northwest Miami-Dade County is located in southeastern Florida, within the Miami metropolitan area. The reported crash occurred near Northwest 117th Street and Northwest Seventh Avenue in the Miami area.
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