A 21-year-old woman has been arrested after a man was struck and killed by a car in Dania Beach, Florida, and the driver allegedly left the scene, authorities said.
Keila Maldonado is accused of leaving the scene of a fatal crash early Saturday, October 17, 2026. Investigators say evidence recovered from the roadway helped them identify the vehicle involved and eventually locate it at a car dealership in North Miami Beach.
The victim, an adult man whose identity has not been publicly released, was found lying in the roadway along the 200 block of Sheridan Street shortly after 1:30 a.m. Emergency responders pronounced him dead at the scene.
The deadly collision happened just east of U.S. 1, near New Bethany Tabernacle Church. The incident has raised concerns among people familiar with the area about the dangers pedestrians face on busy roads, particularly during overnight hours.
Investigators Followed Vehicle Debris to Find the Car
According to investigators, the man was crossing the westbound lanes of Sheridan Street when he was struck by a Hyundai Sonata. The driver allegedly continued away from the scene without stopping.
Detectives began examining the crash site and collecting evidence that could help identify the vehicle.
One important clue came from pieces of debris left on the roadway. Investigators said they found identifying information among the vehicle parts, allowing them to narrow down the make and model of the car.
The investigation eventually led authorities to a 2025 Hyundai Sonata located on the second floor of the parking garage at Lexus of North Miami in North Miami Beach.
The vehicle’s location brought detectives closer to identifying the person they believe was driving when the fatal collision occurred.
Dealership Employee Reportedly Helped Uncover What Happened
Details contained in the arrest report describe how investigators connected Maldonado to the vehicle.
Maldonado reportedly worked at the dealership where the car was found. According to the report, she told an employee that she had taken a rental vehicle from the dealership without permission and asked how much it might cost to repair the damage.
When the employee asked what had happened, Maldonado reportedly said she had struck someone riding a scooter.
Investigators later identified the vehicle as a Hyundai Sonata associated with the fatal crash. The report also states that Maldonado acknowledged taking the car without the dealership’s knowledge and said she had gone to the beach.
Authorities further alleged that, after the collision, she drove to a nearby shopping plaza, watched emergency personnel arrive and then left without speaking to police.
These reported statements became part of the investigation into how the vehicle was used and what happened after the crash.
Pastor Near the Scene Urges Drivers to Slow Down
The fatal incident happened near a church whose pastor said he was troubled by what had occurred.
Pastor Edvard Legrand of New Bethany Tabernacle Church expressed concern about the apparent decision to leave the scene rather than remain and help.
“These days, people don’t care,” Legrand said, reflecting on what he sees as a decline in concern for others.
He also urged drivers to be more careful, particularly in areas where pedestrians may be crossing streets or gathering nearby.
“Wherever you are driving, whether you are coming from the beach or you are just on the road, slow down just a bit,” he said. “Thirty-seconds can change your life and someone else’s life also.”
His message comes as investigators continue working to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash and the actions allegedly taken afterward.
What Charges Does Maldonado Face?
Maldonado was arrested following the investigation by the Broward Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Unit.
Authorities announced two charges: failing to stop and remain at the scene of an accident involving death, and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence.
A judge reportedly set her bond at $51,000 during a court appearance on Sunday. She was being held at the Broward Main Jail as of October 18.
Although the crash resulted in a man’s death, the charges announced by authorities focus on leaving the scene and alleged evidence tampering. The allegations have not been proven in court.
Under Florida law, drivers involved in a crash that causes a death must stop, remain at the scene and fulfill their legal duties following the collision. Leaving a fatal crash scene can carry serious criminal consequences.
Why Leaving a Crash Scene Matters
When a driver strikes a pedestrian, the moments immediately afterward can be critical. Emergency responders may need to provide urgent medical care, secure the roadway and determine whether other people are at risk.
Remaining at the scene also allows investigators to speak with the driver, document the vehicle’s condition and collect information that may help establish what happened.
When a vehicle leaves, detectives may have to rely on physical evidence, surveillance footage, witness accounts and vehicle identification details to reconstruct the incident.
In this case, debris recovered from Sheridan Street reportedly helped investigators identify the type of car involved and trace it to the dealership garage.
The investigation illustrates how evidence left behind can become an important lead even when a driver allegedly leaves before police arrive.
Victim’s Identity Has Not Been Released
Authorities have not publicly identified the man who died, and additional details about his background have not been confirmed.
For now, the investigation centers on reconstructing the collision, identifying the circumstances that led to the man’s death and examining the allegations against Maldonado.
The case also serves as a reminder for motorists to remain alert for pedestrians, particularly on roads near businesses, churches and other places where people may be walking at night.
As the legal proceedings move forward, the central questions will be addressed through the evidence and court process. Maldonado remains accused of the offenses, and the allegations against her have yet to be resolved in court.
