Three people were injured in a late night crash in Miami Gardens that troopers believe may have been tied to street racing.
The crash occurred late Sunday night on Miami Gardens Drive near Northwest 57th Avenue in Miami-Dade.
Troopers on scene told NBC 6 that 38-year-old Jeffrey Velasquez and his niece, 35-year-old Connie Labrada, were passengers in a vehicle that was being driven by 25-year-old David Gonzalez, when a driver in a red Chevrolet Camaro struck them.
It is believed the Camaro, driven by 26-year-old Aliandy Alvarez-Rodriguez, and another vehicle were involved in a street race down Miami Gardens Drive.
Velasquez, who was riding in the backseat, was thrown from the car and was the most seriously injured. He was taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital where his family said he has undergone several surgeries on his lungs, stomach and kidneys.
"They're telling us he's not doing good," a relative said.
Labrada and Gonzalez were injured but are expected to be okay.
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Velasquez's brother, Fernando Velazquez, was at the hospital Monday morning along with several other family members. They've been inside praying all day for their loved ones.
"We're hoping that they get better and they come through this, that they come out of this okay," Fernando Velazquez said.
Alvarez-Rodriguez is facing charges. The other driver involved took off. Police said the vehicle may have been an Acura TL, and will have some minor damage.
Authorities are investigating the crash. They said while two vehicles may have been racing, Gonzalez may have been making an illegal turn when he was struck.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at (305) 471-TIPS.
