Suspect Not Charged In Death At This Time. Questions About Whether Bicyclist Was Riding Safely.
BY: 24/7 CRIME DESK | BocaNewsNow.com
BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2023 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — A Pompano Beach man was arrested Tuesday and charged with leaving the scene of an April crash that left Boca Raton bicyclist Lonquinho Amaral Junior dead.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office says Samuel Vasconcellos of Pompano Beach was driving a 2022 Chevrolet Malibu on April 29th around 5:38 in the morning when he collided with Longuinho Junior who was riding a bicycle in the 7400 Block of SW 18th Street in Unincorporated Boca Raton. Junior was ejected from the bicycle and landed on top of the Chevy Malibu.
Vasconcellos, according to police, brought the car to a controlled stop and made contact with Junior. However, Vasconcellos then allegedly left the scene without providing any information. Junior was taken to Delray Medical Center where he died on May 1st.
Police located Vasconcellos within hours of the crash, but did not arrest him until Tuesday, May 9th. He is now charged with “leaving the scene of a crash involving death.” He is NOT charged, however, with the death of Junior. He was initially booked into the Broward County Jail but is now being held in Palm Beach County without bond.
It is unclear if Junior was riding his bicycle in a safe, legal manner, whether he was visible in the early morning hours, or whether he was culpable in his own death. Being charged with leaving the scene of a crash involving death is not the same as being charged with a death. The investigation continues. Anyone with information is asked to call the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.
