DANIA BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) – Deputies have arrested the driver involved in a hit-and-run in Dania Beach involving a wheelchair-bound man.
The Broward Sheriff’s Office confirmed Jean Pierre Louis was arrested Thursday morning. The 70-year-old was charged with leaving the scene of a crash involving damage to property.
Surveillance video captured the moment when, the victim said, he was hit while crossing the street on Monday.
The victim, Jorge Gonzalez, a double amputee who lost his legs to diabetes, said Louis initially stopped and asked him if he was OK, but when he said “No, I’m not OK, I needed you to call police or call an ambulance,” he took off.
Speaking with 7News following Louis’ arrest, Gonzalez said he was grateful to hear that.
“I feel like he deserves a little time to think about what he did,” said Gonzalez. “I wanna start by thanking the news as well as BSO and the community.”
Gonzalez said he was heading to breakfast in his wheelchair along Southwest First Street when it happened.
He added that people can make mistakes, but believes Louis brought this on himself after abandoning an injured person in an incident he caused.
“We’re humans, we make mistakes. His biggest mistake was to actually leave the scene of the accident. He did it to himself,” said Gonzalez.
Gonzalez’s lawyer, David Hoffman, credited the crucial help from nearby businesses who provided the surveillance footage that helped authorities track down the driver.
“We have to thank all the local businesses that gave us all of the footage. Of course, we have to thank BSO,” said Hoffman.
Gonzalez also reiterated his appreciation to the public for their role in helping identify the driver that hit him.
Louis has since posted bond and is expected to leave jail pending trial at a future date.
Meantime, Gonzalez said he’s hopeful to make repairs to his wheelchair, which was damaged in the incident. A GoFundMe has been made to help cover medical and wheelchair repair expenses. If you would like to donate, click here.
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