A devastating hit-and-run crash in northwest Miami-Dade on September 9, 2026, has claimed the life of a 10-year-old girl and left a boy in critical condition. Authorities are now actively searching for the driver who fled the scene after striking two children riding an electric bicycle near Northwest 117th Street and Northwest 7th Avenue.
The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office has released images of the suspect vehicle and is urging community members to come forward with any information that could help identify the driver responsible for this tragic incident.
What Happened Wednesday Night
According to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the scene at approximately 8 p.m. on Wednesday evening. A preliminary investigation revealed that a driver traveling north on Northwest 7th Avenue approaching Northwest 117th Street made a left turn and struck the two children.
Both victims were discovered lying on the roadway, completely unresponsive. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue rushed both children to Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Center in critical condition.
Tragically, authorities confirmed on September 10, 2026, that the little girl did not survive her injuries. While her identity was not officially released by authorities, a family member identified her as Peyton. The boy’s age remains unknown, and his current condition has not been updated.
Scene Investigation Details
Footage from the crash site showed the e-bike lying in the roadway surrounded by debris, painting a grim picture of the violent impact. The MDSO Traffic Homicide Unit detectives have taken over the investigation, which remains active and ongoing.
Investigators are working diligently to obtain additional information about the suspect vehicle and the driver who fled without stopping to help the injured children or report the crash.
The hit-and-run nature of this incident has made gathering evidence particularly challenging, prompting authorities to make a direct appeal to the public for assistance.
Suspect Vehicle Identified
On the afternoon of September 10, 2026, the sheriff’s office released a flyer containing a photo of the vehicle believed to be involved in the fatal crash. The suspect vehicle has been described as a 2009–2012 Nissan Versa, silver or grey in color.
This information represents a significant lead in the case, and authorities are hoping that community members who may have seen the vehicle in the area around the time of the crash will come forward.
Business owners in the vicinity are being asked to review their security camera footage for any potential evidence that could help identify the driver.
Community Impact and Grief
Friends of the young male victim have shared heartbreaking details about the moments leading up to the crash. According to one friend identified as JahJah, they had been riding bikes together with the boy just an hour before receiving the devastating phone call.
“We had literally just ridden with him, all of us were together and it was just sad to get a phone call like that. I ride and I would be hurting to be riding and I ride with my son sometimes and I would be hurting to be riding and something happened to my son.”
The emotional testimony underscores how quickly tragedy can strike and the profound impact this incident has had on the local community, particularly among young people who regularly ride bicycles and e-bikes in the area.
Authorities’ Plea for Help
MDSO spokesman Daniel Castillo made an emotional appeal to the community, emphasizing the importance of public cooperation in solving this case and bringing justice for the young victim and her family.
“I can only imagine how the parents feel in this situation so we urge the community, please, if you’re a business owner in this area and you happen to have cameras, please review your cameras. If you were here by chance to witness what occurred, please give us a call.”
The spokesman’s words reflect the urgency investigators feel in locating the driver who abandoned two injured children on the roadway without offering any assistance.
E-Bike Safety Concerns in Miami-Dade
This tragic hit-and-run crash highlights ongoing concerns about the safety of young riders on electric bicycles throughout South Florida. E-bikes have become increasingly popular among youth in the region, raising questions about road safety and driver awareness.
The incident serves as a sobering reminder for all motorists to remain vigilant, especially in residential areas where children may be present on bikes, scooters, and other personal transportation devices.
For the Latin community in Miami-Dade, this tragedy resonates deeply as many families rely on bicycles and e-bikes as practical transportation options in urban neighborhoods.
How to Report Information
Anyone with information about this fatal hit-and-run is strongly urged to contact authorities immediately. Tips can be submitted anonymously through Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers.
- Phone: 305-471-TIPS (8477)
- Anonymous tips accepted
- Information sought: Witness accounts, security camera footage, vehicle sightings
Tipsters do not need to provide their identity, and any information, no matter how small it may seem, could prove crucial in identifying the driver responsible for this tragedy.
What the Latino Community Should Know
This incident affects not only the immediate family but the entire northwest Miami-Dade community. Residents in the area around Northwest 117th Street and Northwest 7th Avenue are encouraged to check their doorbell cameras and any other recording devices for footage from Wednesday evening.
Parents should take this opportunity to discuss road safety with their children who ride bicycles or e-bikes. While this crash appears to be entirely the fault of the fleeing driver, awareness and caution remain important.
The case also underscores the importance of community solidarity in helping authorities solve crimes that impact vulnerable members of society, particularly children.
What type of vehicle are police looking for?
Police are searching for a 2009-2012 Nissan Versa, silver or grey in color, believed to be involved in the fatal hit-and-run crash.
How can I report information about this crash?
Contact Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers anonymously at 305-471-TIPS (8477) with any information about the crash or the suspect vehicle.
Where did the hit-and-run occur?
The crash occurred in the area of Northwest 117th Street and Northwest 7th Avenue in northwest Miami-Dade on the evening of September 9, 2026.
The MDSO Traffic Homicide Unit investigation remains active and ongoing as of September 10, 2026. Authorities continue to process evidence and follow leads in their effort to locate and apprehend the driver who killed 10-year-old Peyton and injured another child before fleeing the scene.
