MIAMI – Miami police are investigating a fatal crash that occurred early Tuesday morning, and have since made one arrest.
According to police, officers were called to the area of Northwest Seventh Avenue and 20th Street just after 2 a.m. after a crash occurred between a motorcycle and a red Kia Soul.
Sky 10 was above the scene hours later, shortly before 7 a.m., as the red vehicle was rolled over on its side in some nearby bushes.
Police confirmed that the motorcyclist, identified as 34-year-old John Koontz, was transported by Miami Fire Rescue to Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Center where he was pronounced dead.
“His life was his kids. His life was that,” said Lizanette Koontz, John Koontz’s wife. “He was gonna go to school and start in the fall to start social work. He was a blessing.”
Lizanette Koontz said her husband was out delivering food because he wanted to make extra money to help his family.
The driver of the red car, identified as 17-year-old Omari Terry, remained at the scene and has since been arrested, police said.
Not only did he not have a valid driver’s license, but police say the vehicle he was driving in was also reported stolen out of North Miami.
According to police, Terry was driving the Kia south along Seventh Avenue when he ran a red light at the intersection and slammed into the victim’s motorcycle.
The force of the crash pushed both vehicles into nearby bushes.
Terry was arrested on one count of grand theft auto, but additional charges are possible.
Koontz’s family has launched a GoFundMe page to assist with funeral costs and ensure financial support for his children’s future.
Click here if you would like to contribute.
Noon report: