A weeks-long investigation into a deadly hit-and-run in northwest Miami-Dade has led to an arrest, with investigators alleging that the driver not only left the crash scene but later tried to replace damaged parts of his vehicle.
Arick Metayer, 33, surrendered to authorities on Sept. 28 and was taken into custody in connection with the Sept. 9 crash that killed 10-year-old Peyton Williams and seriously injured her 15-year-old brother, Wilbrent Bain.
The siblings were riding an electric bike near Northwest 117th Street and Northwest Seventh Avenue shortly before 9 p.m. when they were struck by a silver 2012 Nissan Versa, according to investigators.
Investigators say driver turned into the siblings’ path
According to the arrest affidavit, Metayer was traveling north on Northwest Seventh Avenue when he began turning left onto Northwest 117th Street. Investigators allege that he turned into the path of the siblings as they were crossing the intersection.
The impact threw both children from the electric bike and onto the roadway.
Rather than remaining at the scene, investigators say the driver continued west on Northwest 117th Street without stopping to provide assistance.
Both siblings were taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Center in critical condition. Peyton died from her injuries the following morning.
Her brother survived the crash but suffered serious injuries.
Video allegedly captured driver checking damaged car
Investigators later obtained surveillance footage that they say showed the Nissan stopping a short distance from the crash.
The driver allegedly got out, walked around the vehicle and inspected damage on the passenger side before getting back inside and leaving the area.
That footage became an important part of the investigation as detectives worked to identify the vehicle and its driver.
Police eventually located the Nissan at Metayer’s residence. Investigators say the passenger-side doors and mirror that would have been expected to show crash damage had been replaced.
The replacement parts were a different color from the rest of the vehicle, according to the arrest affidavit.
Detectives also reported finding DNA on the outside of the car that matched Peyton.
Replacement car parts allegedly bought the next day
The investigation then led detectives to a self-service salvage yard in Davie.
Cellphone records allegedly placed Metayer at the facility on Sept. 10, the day after the crash. Surveillance footage reportedly showed him selecting passenger-side replacement doors with the help of another person.
Investigators say the damaged doors and mirror from the Nissan were no longer with the vehicle and have not been recovered.
Phone records also indicated that Metayer later traveled from Miami to Orlando on a Brightline train.
A person who helped him transport the replacement parts later spoke with investigators. According to the arrest affidavit, the witness said Metayer acknowledged that he had been involved in a crash.
The witness said he contacted Metayer after learning that a child had died in a hit-and-run in the same area. Metayer allegedly responded that he knew about the death and said he planned to hire an attorney.
Mother had publicly pleaded for the driver to come forward
Before the arrest, Peyton’s mother publicly appealed to the person responsible for the crash to come forward.
The investigation continued for several weeks before Metayer surrendered with his attorney.
He is now charged with leaving the scene of a crash involving a death, leaving the scene of a crash involving serious bodily injury and tampering with physical evidence.
The case has moved into the court process, and the allegations against Metayer have not been proven in court.
The investigation and legal proceedings are expected to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash, the actions that followed it and Metayer’s responsibility under the charges filed against him.
