A Saturday evening swim in Biscayne Bay turned terrifying when a 21-year-old woman was struck by a personal watercraft and the operator allegedly bolted, according to authorities. First responders treated the victim after the hit-and-run, and investigators later tracked down a 34-year-old man they say was behind the controls. He was arrested on a felony charge tied to leaving the scene without offering help.
What investigators say
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, as reported by NBC6, said the crash happened around 7 p.m. Saturday while the woman was swimming in Biscayne Bay. Officers identified the personal watercraft operator as 34-year-old Andy Vences. Investigators say Vences did not stop to check on the swimmer, did not call for help and instead left the area without notifying authorities. He was later taken into custody and booked on a felony count of leaving the scene of an accident without rendering aid.
Authorities respond
Miami-Dade County Area Captain Rafael Almagro did not mince words in a statement to NBC6. “There is no excuse for leaving the scene of an accident,” he said, adding that officers were glad to have quickly located and arrested the suspect so he “can be held accountable,” according to the report…