U.S. 1 in Coral Gables scene of fatal hit-and-run

A 39-year-old man from southwest Miami-Dade has been arrested and charged in connection with a fatal hit-and-run crash that claimed the life of a 22-year-old motorcyclist on U.S. 1 in Coral Gables.

The incident occurred shortly after 11:15 p.m. on May 23, at the intersection of U.S. 1 and Madruga Court. According to police reports, David Rafael Aleman attempted to make a left turn onto Madruga Court, cutting off motorcyclist Anthony Emilio Arce. The collision threw Arce onto the pavement. According to published reports, authorities said Aleman “approached the fallen motorcyclist” but then fled the scene in his Kia Sorento without rendering aid or calling for assistance.

Emergency responders from the Coral Gables Fire Department transported Arce to Jackson South Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead just before midnight.

Investigators identified Aleman as the suspect through red light camera footage and social media tools. On May 27, around 8:30 p.m., Coral Gables detectives, along with Miami-Dade deputies, arrested Aleman at his residence in the 5300 block of Southwest 158th Avenue in West Kendall. During questioning at the Coral Gables Police Department, Aleman made two admissions, which were redacted from the arrest report. He was subsequently charged with leaving the scene of a crash involving death and was being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center on a $35,000 bond as of May 28.

The victim, Anthony Emilio Arce, had recently celebrated his 22nd birthday on May 14. His mother, Claudia Arce, expressed her grief and anger over the loss of her son. “I feel empty, in pain… and angry. I’m angry that my child is not here,” she told the media. While acknowledging some relief that the suspect was apprehended, she emphasized that it would not bring her son back.

Judge Mindy S. Glazer, who presided over Aleman’s initial hearing, criticized his actions, saying, “He didn’t even stop to help… he hit a motorcyclist who was there dying.”

The Coral Gables Police Department continues to investigate the incident. Anyone with additional information is urged to contact the department directly.

Author: Coral Gables Gazette News Staff

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