On the night of Friday, May 23, a tragic incident occurred when 22-year-old Anthony Emilio Arce was struck by a vehicle at the intersection of US Highway 1 and Madruga Court in Coral Gables, Miami-Dade County. The driver fled the scene, leaving Arce fatally injured. Just four days later, authorities apprehended the suspect, identified as 39-year-old David Rafael Alemán.
According to reports from Local 10, the collision happened shortly after 11:15 p.m. local time. David Alemán allegedly attempted to make a left turn onto Madruga Court, cutting off a motorcyclist in his path. This resulted in Arce being thrown onto the pavement with severe injuries, while Alemán drove away in a Kia Sorento, offering no assistance.
The victim was rushed to Jackson South Medical Center by Coral Gables Fire Department paramedics, where he was pronounced dead just before midnight.
Intense Investigation Leads to Arrest
The incident was treated as a serious felony, sparking a rigorous hunt for the fugitive driver. With the collaboration of Miami-Dade County detectives, Coral Gables police utilized critical technological evidence. Red light cameras and social media tools were instrumental in identifying Alemán as the suspect.
On Tuesday evening, around 8:30 p.m., officers arrested Alemán at his residence on the 5300 block of Southwest 158th Avenue in West Kendall. During interrogation, Alemán confessed to his role in the incident. He was subsequently charged with "leaving the scene of an accident involving death."
Presiding over the initial hearing, Judge Mindy S. Glazer condemned Alemán's actions, stating, "He didn't even stop to help... he hit a motorcyclist who was there dying." Alemán was granted a $35,000 bond, though it is expected he may soon be released after paying the necessary percentage, as reported by Telemundo 51.
The Heartbreaking Loss of Anthony Emilio Arce
Anthony Arce had celebrated his 22nd birthday on May 14, with a promising future ahead. His untimely death has deeply affected his family, particularly his mother, Claudia Arce, who has publicly shared her grief.
"I feel empty, in pain... and angry. I'm angry that my child is not here," she expressed in emotional statements to Telemundo 51. As her only child, Anthony's death has left an unfillable void.
"It gives a bit of relief knowing they caught the person who left my son on the street," she acknowledged, although she knows it won't bring her son back. "I'm angry, hurt," she emphasized.
Describing her son as "a good boy," she said he will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him. The family clings to their memories and the pursuit of justice while enduring an intensely painful grieving process.
"Now I don't know how to fix this... and I'm going to be without him. It's not fair," she concluded.
Key Details About the Coral Gables Hit-and-Run
Who was arrested for the hit-and-run in Coral Gables?
David Rafael Alemán, a 39-year-old man, was arrested for the hit-and-run incident that resulted in the death of Anthony Emilio Arce.
How did the police identify the suspect?
Police used red light cameras and social media tools to identify David Rafael Alemán as the suspect in the hit-and-run case.
What charges does David Rafael Alemán face?
David Rafael Alemán faces charges of "leaving the scene of an accident involving death" following the fatal collision.