A recently terminated Miami Beach police officer disregarded a fatal hit-and-run incident that transpired just outside of his department’s headquarters earlier this year. Surveillance footage obtained by Local 10 captured Esmat Ahmed Ibrahim Khedr, 63, riding her electric bicycle towards an intersection near Miami Beach Police Headquarters when she was struck by a blue Ford Bronco.
The driver of the blue Ford Bronco fled the scene as bystanders hurried to assist the fallen Khedr. Despite being informed about the hit-and-run by witnesses, officer Edward Cavalie refused to take any action and directed those who reported the collision to enter the police station and file the report themselves before driving away from the location.
Khedr was later discovered unconscious and not breathing when a witness entered the police headquarters and informed other officers about the incident outside. The victim was taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital, where she was subsequently pronounced dead. Cavalie faced termination following an internal investigation launched on May 1 that determined his negligent lack of response went against department standards, as stated by Miami Beach Police Chief Wayne Jones.
Cavalie had been sworn in as an officer just a month prior to the hit-and-run incident and was still within his probationary period with Miami Beach police when he was fired. The police chief condemned the former officer’s actions, emphasizing that they do not represent the dedication and professionalism of the Miami Beach Police Department members. He further assured that such behavior will not be tolerated in the future and expressed his sympathy for the victim.
The driver responsible for the hit-and-run was identified as Dania Beach resident Demarcus Cortez Harrington, 43. A witness to the fatal incident allegedly observed Harrington glance back at Khedr after hitting her before shrugging and continuing his escape. The suspect was being followed by an acquaintance driving a gray Ford Bronco when he allegedly ran down Khedr.
Harrington’s acquaintance, who knew him from a local strip club, claimed that they rented the Ford Broncos from Turo’s rental car app for their return to Miami International Airport. The witness recounted hearing a “smack” as Khedr was struck and observed the startled onlookers as the Bronco continued to drive away.
Harrington allegedly nearly came to blows with his acquaintance after being asked if he had “run anyone over,” refusing to return to the scene before abandoning the Bronco in a nearby alleyway. The Broward Sheriff’s Office detained Harrington on July 16 and brought him back to Miami-Dade County on an arrest warrant issued for him in connection with the hit-and-run.
Harrington has been charged with leaving the scene of a crash causing death and is currently being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in Miami. He is set to appear in court on October 2. Records from the Iowa corrections department reveal that Harrington has an extensive criminal history in the Hawkeye State.
