FWC Charges Miami Man in Hit-and-Run Boating Accident on Biscayne Bay
Two brothers were injured as a result of the collision.

Posted Sunday, February 13, 2011

 
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Investigators with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) have made an arrest in a hit-and-run boating accident Saturday night involving two boats in Biscayne Bay. Michael S. Garcia (DOB 10/11/89) of Miami was charged with leaving the scene of an accident involving bodily injury, which is a felony. He was also charged with a misdemeanor for failing to report the accident. Additional charges are pending.

Two brothers were injured as a result of the collision. The operator of the first boat, 26-year-old Pedro A. Reyes of Miami, remains in critical condition at Ryder Trauma Center. Reyes' younger brother was treated at the scene of the accident for minor injuries.

The FWC worked with the Coral Gables Police Department to locate the operator of the boat that fled the scene. On Tuesday, Coral Gables police received a tip from a resident who had seen a boat with significant damage on the port side earlier in the week at 631 Arvida Parkway. He said the boat was moved on Monday and had not returned.

The boat's owner informed FWC investigators that his boat was involved in a recent accident and the boat was being repaired. FWC investigators are continuing to gather information concerning this serious accident.

"Safety of the boating public is our primary concern," said FWC Major Alfredo Escanio. "We take all boating accidents very seriously, and we will pursue alleged offenders who hit other boats and flee the scene."