Duval County

FHP finds, arrests driver who they say ran over, killed motorcyclist on Beach Blvd. in Jacksonville

By Princess Jhané Stepherson, Action News Jax and Allison Matthews, Action News Jax
By Princess Jhané Stepherson, Action News Jax and Allison Matthews, Action News Jax

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Florida Highway Patrol has found and arrested the driver of an SUV who they say hit two motorcyclists, running one over and killing him, on Beach Boulevard Thursday evening.

FHP identified the suspect as Edwin Rumaldo Almendares Amaya.

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According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office online Inmate Information Search, Almendares Amaya, 36, is facing the following felony charges:

  • Vehicular homicide of human being - fail to give or render aid
  • Crash - Leaving scene on public or private property without rendering aid
  • Operating without a drivers license causing death or serious bodily injury

Late Thursday night, FHP posted on Twitter graphic video showing the incident.

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According to the crash report, at around 7:12 p.m., two motorcycles were slowing in the center lane of westbound Beach Boulevard, just east of Tamaya Boulevard. At the same time, an older model black Chevrolet Tahoe was approaching the motorcycles from the rear.

The Tahoe failed to stop and collided with both motorcycles, completely running one over, before running the red light and fleeing the scene.

The motorcyclist who was completely run over, a 28-year-old man from Jacksonville, was pronounced dead at the hospital. The other motorcyclist, a 36-year-old man, suffered minor injuries.

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Family members of the man who died said his name is Lester Bagaligog and he went by the name Nico. The family also told Action News Jax that this was a case of road rage.

The two motorcyclists had just left dinner, the family said.

Anyone with information or additional video of the incident is encouraged to call FHP at 904-695-4000.

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FHP looking for driver in deadly hit-and-run

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