Miami police ID woman killed in Liberty City hit-and-run, search ongoing for suspect driver
A woman was killed in a hit-and-run crash early Monday morning near Liberty City in Miami, and police are still looking for the driver responsible.
Miami Police said they were called around 8:09 a.m. to NW 7th Avenue and NW 60th Street, where they found a woman lying unconscious in the roadway with visible injuries. Miami Fire Rescue responded and pronounced her dead at the scene.
The victim has since been identified as 76-year-old Koritza Ortiz.
Records show that Ortiz lived in an apartment building right next to where the crash occurred.
Driver fled without helping victim, Miami Police say
According to police spokeswoman Officer Kiara Delva, the driver who hit Ortiz never stopped to help or call 911.
"Unfortunately, an innocent person lost her life due to the negligence of the driver who failed to stop, render aid, and contact 911," Delva said. "That could've made all the difference. That victim could still be here with us today."
She urged drivers to take responsibility if they're ever involved in a crash.
"It is not a crime to get involved in a crash," she said. "It's a crime when you decide to willfully hit someone without contacting 911."
Neighbors told CBS News Miami that they were deeply troubled by what happened.
"You can't just speed up and down the streets. You need to be more careful. It is never good when someone does something this — especially when it is a hit and run and someone dies," said Eduvigis Rivas Jr.
Another neighbor, David Pontello, said: "It's dead wrong. It is a tragedy. You know the poor lady was just trying to cross the street. It is a crime and it's cowardly."
Miami Police investigating; surveillance footage being reviewed
Miami police said their Traffic Homicide Unit is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash, including efforts to identify the driver and the vehicle involved. So far, no vehicle description has been made public.
Detectives are reviewing surveillance video from the area and are urging anyone who witnessed the crash or has information to come forward.
Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact the Miami Police Department's Traffic Homicide Unit at (305) 603-6525. There is a reward of up to $5,000.
Those who wish to remain anonymous can contact Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at (305) 471-TIPS (8477), visit , or send a text to 274637 with CSMD followed by the tip.
