Headline Surfer® graphic / The 1700 block of S.R. 44 near the roadway’s intersection with West Canal Street is where bicyclist Shariema Smith was struck by a hit-and-run driver as shown in this locator map at left.
NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- When Shariema Smith was hit by a motorist during the early morning hours of Sept. 9, she was riding her daughter’s bicycle, which was destroyed.
But thanks to the generosity of Tom Menzel and Green Pedal Ministries, Zaria Smith, the victim’s 12-year-old daughter, was given a brand new bicycle.
New Smyrna Beach Police Lt. Donna Lavallee presented the new bicycle and a Walmart gift card to Zaria.
Zaria has been staying with relatives since her mother was severely injured in the hit and run collision on West Canal Street in New Smyrna Beach
Smith, 30, has had to undergo months of rehabilitation before she can return home to be with her daughter.
It was 6:11a.m., Monday, Sep. 9, when Smith was riding the bicycle to work that she was struck by a truck in the 1700 block of State Road 44 near the roadway’s intersection with West Canal Street. She was thrown from the bicycle and landed in the roadway.
"The driver of the suspect vehicle stopped and briefly spoke with the victim before removing the bicycle from under his vehicle and fleeing the scene of the crash," New Smyrna Beach police spokesman Master Sgt. Eugene Griffith told Headline Surfer®. "The suspect did not render aid to the victim or call for medical assistance."
"The driver of the suspect vehicle stopped and briefly spoke with the victim before removing the bicycle from under his vehicle and fleeing the scene of the crash," New Smyrna Beach police spokesman Master Sgt. Eugene Griffith told Headline Surfer®. "The suspect did not render aid to the victim or call for medical assistance."
Despite suffering multiple injuries including a broken neck and shattered pelvis, Smith was able to call 9-1-1 and pull herself to the shoulder of the roadway, Griffith said.
The vehicle could have a broken windshield or side window. The driver is described as a white man with a small build. Police have received several leads, but the suspect vehicle has not been found.
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RECAP:
99. New Smyrna Beach cops: Kind donation made for daughter of hit and run victim
100. VCSO: $9,000 worth of cigarettes stolen from DeBary convenience store in September