Accused hit-and-run driver arrested after bicyclist killed in Kissimmee crash

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — A man was arrested Thursday after he left the scene of a fatal crash in Osceola County last year, the Florida Highway Patrol said.

On Aug. 25, 2015, Alexander Valentin, 21, of Kissimmee lost control on US-192 and Locksley Lane, hit a curb, and struck Quintin Azamar Reyes, 51, who was riding a bicycle, troopers said.

Reyes landed on the hood of Valentin’s car, which then hit a pole, throwing Reyes onto the ground, FHP said.

Troopers said Valentin’s car then hit another car and then fled the scene into a wooded area, troopers said.

"Over the past year, we've taken in evidence from that car and surveillance footage, and actually DNA from inside that car, and have been able to identify that driver at this time," said Trooper Steven Montiero of the Florida Highway Patrol. "We are 100 percent sure that this is our driver."

Reyes was on his way to work at the Gaylord Palms Resort when the incident happened.

"Render aid if necessary. It is so simple just to turn your information over to the other driver rather than leave and turn it into now a felony case. People's lives were lost that day," Montiero said.

Channel 9 found out that Valentin has a criminal record.

Cox Media Group