Antonio Sanchez Killed in Miami Hit-and-Run
Deshawn Daniels charged after pedestrian struck near Northwest 28th Street; incident highlights the severe consequences of leaving the scene of an accident. Cooperating with authorities and staying at the scene can avoid felony charges and provide critical aid to victims. Drivers involved in accidents should always stop, render assistance if possible, and contact law enforcement.
Antonio Sanchez, 62, of Miami, died Friday after a hit-and-run crash on Northwest 12th Avenue near Northwest 28th Street, Miami police said.
The crash occurred at about 3:30 a.m. A southbound SUV on Northwest 12th Avenue struck Sanchez as he crossed the street. He was hit near a gas station, outside a marked crosswalk.
The driver of the SUV did not stop and fled the scene.
Miami Fire Rescue took Sanchez to Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital, where he died.
Police identified the suspect as Deshawn Daniels, 41. Daniels turned himself in to authorities after an anonymous tip.
Daniels was charged with leaving the scene of a crash involving death, a first-degree felony. He was granted bond.
The Miami Police Department investigated the incident. Surveillance video captured the SUV striking Sanchez near a gas station as it continued without stopping. Following a local news broadcast, an anonymous tip led officers to an apartment complex where a vehicle matching the description and displaying consistent damage was located. Deshawn Daniels then turned himself in at a Miami Police station and reportedly admitted to being the driver. Daniels faces a felony charge of leaving the scene of a crash resulting in death. Roadways near the 2600 block of Northwest 12th Avenue were briefly affected during the on-scene processing of evidence.
National Legal Analyst Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal, noted that "What's truly haunting about hit-and-runs is the feeling of being abandoned in a moment of crisis. Most of these drivers are caught within forty-eight hours if there's any physical evidence left behind."
Under Florida law, surviving family members of a pedestrian killed in a hit-and-run accident may be entitled to file a wrongful death lawsuit. These civil claims are separate from any criminal proceedings and can seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and financial support. Even if a driver is not immediately identified, Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage under their own auto insurance policies may provide recovery. Consulting with an experienced legal advocate can help families navigate the complex intersections of insurance law and criminal liability to ensure their rights are protected. Individuals who have lost a loved one in such incidents should consider a consultation to review their potential legal standing.