Florida driver, 21, allegedly kills cyclist while changing song on his iPhone, then flees the scene

The 21-year-old driver in Miami who allegedly hit two cyclists on the way home from an all-night party on South Beach, killing one of them, was looking at his iPhone to change the song when the accident happened, police said.

The driver then tried to stage a robbery of his own vehicle before returning to the scene and fessing up.

The suspect, University of Maryland student Alejandro Alvarez, had been out until about 4:30am on Wednesday when he left for his parents’ home in the Key Biscayne neighborhood. Authorities say a quick look down at his iPhone to change the song caused the vehicle to crash into the two bikers. But apparently, Alvarez did not immediately stop at the scene. Rather, he went home and attempted to stage a robbery of his own vehicle as a cover-up. WSVN reports:

Police said Alvarez continued to his parents’ residence, where, according to the police report, “he attempted to fake a robbery by smashing the rear window of his Volkswagen with golf clubs.” The report continues, “The defendant stated that he could not do this and called 911.”

Investigators said Alvarez was instructed to return to the scene after admitting his involvement in the accident. He drove back to the scene, where, police said, he cried hysterically and admitted to being the driver of the accident while repeatedly asking officers if the cyclists were OK.

A Miami-Dade Police officer asked Alvarez if he had been drinking, but he replied that he had not. According to the arrest report, though, an officer noticed a strong smell of alcohol coming from Alvarez, along with bloodshot, watery eyes and a slurred speech. Alvarez was hysterically crying when recounting to officers what had taken place.

Alvarez has been charged with DUI manslaughter and leaving the scene. He was released from prison this morning.

Daniel Rivero is a producer/reporter for Fusion who focuses on police and justice issues. He also skateboards, does a bunch of arts related things on his off time, and likes Cuban coffee.