Miami Man with Dangerous Driving History Caught in Hit-and-Run of Man in Wheelchair!

A heartbreaking hit-and-run in downtown Miami has led to the arrest of a man with a troubling history of traffic violations. Raymond Garcia, 38, was arrested after striking a 56-year-old man in a wheelchair and fleeing the scene. The incident has left the community devastated, raising serious concerns about pedestrian safety and how we protect our most vulnerable.

A Terrifying Hit-and-Run

On March 28, 2025, a horrific hit-and-run shook the streets of downtown Miami. A automobile struck the victim, a 56-year-old man in a wheelchair, as he was crossing the street. Instead of stopping, the motorist raced away, leaving the victim on the road with injuries.

Bystanders dialed 911 and hurried to the victim’s rescue. The man was brought to the hospital with severe injuries, including internal damage and shattered bones, when paramedics arrived promptly. Despite his survival, he has serious injuries and will require time to heal. As he embarks on the protracted road back to health, his loved ones and neighbors are supporting him and wishing him well.

The Arrest: A History of Recklessness

The driver responsible for this devastating crash was soon identified as Raymond Garcia, 38. Authorities quickly traced the vehicle to Garcia, who was arrested the following day. The investigation revealed that Garcia had left his car abandoned near the scene. Surveillance footage from nearby cameras confirmed his involvement, and his arrest was inevitable.

Garcia’s history adds to the unease surrounding this tragedy. He has a lengthy history of moving infractions, such as speeding, driving while intoxicated, and operating a vehicle with a suspended license. His status as a “habitual traffic offender” has been in place for years. Garcia kept driving carelessly in spite of many warnings and tickets, endangering other people. A community member’s life has changed as a result of his previous acts.

Community Reaction: A Heartbreaking Loss

The hit-and-run has left the Miami community in shock. The victim, known for his friendly and resilient nature, has been a familiar figure in the neighborhood. Neighbors describe him as someone who faced challenges with grace and a smile, always determined to live his life to the fullest despite his disability.

“This could have been anyone’s loved one,” said Maria Gomez, an advocate with the Miami Disability Coalition. “It’s devastating that someone in a wheelchair, who already faces so many obstacles, was targeted by someone who just didn’t care about the consequences of their actions.”

Advocates are calling for stronger protections for people with disabilities, urging the city to do more to ensure pedestrian safety. “We need to do more than just change laws,” Gomez added. “We need to create a city where everyone, no matter their ability, can move safely through the streets without fear.”

Legal Consequences: What’s Next for Garcia?

Garcia’s arrest is just the beginning. The charges he faces are serious. In Florida, leaving the scene of an accident involving injury is a felony, and Garcia could be looking at several years in prison. Legal experts suggest that his prior history of traffic offenses could also play a significant role in determining his sentence.

Because the victim was in a wheelchair, and couldn’t move quickly enough to avoid the crash, the charges could be aggravated. This would mean Garcia could face even more time behind bars if convicted. The case has drawn attention to the dangers of repeat offenders on the road, and many are calling for stricter laws to prevent situations like this from happening in the future.

A Community That Cares: A Call for Change

While the legal process moves forward, the victim and his family are receiving support from the community. Friends, neighbors, and advocates are standing by, hoping for his full recovery. At the same time, there’s a growing call for change in how we protect vulnerable pedestrians, especially those with mobility challenges.

The tragic incident has sparked a larger conversation about pedestrian safety. Advocates are calling for stronger enforcement of traffic laws and more accessible infrastructure for people with disabilities. They’re demanding that drivers who repeatedly violate traffic laws face harsher consequences to prevent tragedies like this from happening again.

For the Miami community, the message is clear: It’s time to take action to make the streets safer for everyone, especially those who need it most.