Driver in horrific MacArthur Causeway crash now charged with vehicular homicide
A driver initially charged with DUI and reckless driving in a horrific MacArthur Causeway crash that critically injured two women now faces a vehicular homicide charge after one of the victims died.
Nicholas Robinson, 24, was initially arrested following the early Friday morning crash where he struck 18-year-old Gabriela Rios Flores' disabled Jeep Wrangler.
On Tuesday, Miami Beach police confirmed Flores died Monday night from her injuries. The charges against Robinson were subsequently upgraded.
According to arrest records, Robinson, driving a silver Polestar Model 2, was speeding and under the influence when he collided with Flores' vehicle, which had been moved to the side of the westbound lanes.
During a bond hearing, Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Mindy Glazer detailed the severity of the incident: Robinson was driving at 100 mph in a 40 mph zone, exhibited signs of intoxication and was unaware he had hit another car, asking, "Did you get the other car?" Flores was ejected from her vehicle and later died.
Judge Glazer emphasized the danger Robinson posed, stating, "He killed a 19-year-old girl whose car broke down. He was going so fast he didn't even know he hit her. He is a danger to the community."
His bond was set at $100,000 for the new charge, bringing his total bond to $200,000, with level 1 house arrest ordered if he is released.
Community reaction and impact
Students at Florida International University (FIU) were shocked to learn Gabriela Rios Flores was one of their own.
FIU junior Muhammad Gohar expressed sorrow and another FIU junior, also named Muhammad, shared that a friend involved in the crash suffered a broken arm, emphasizing the dangers of drunk driving.
Defense attorney responds
Robinson's attorney, Evan Hoffman, cautioned against a rush to judgment, stating, "I just want to make sure there is no rush to judgment and my client's rights are protected."
He noted they would be "vigorously defending the case," focusing on the legality of the officers' actions, particularly the blood draw and awaiting the blood test results.
A search warrant was obtained for a blood draw at the scene and results are pending.
The crash and aftermath
Moments before the collision, a Miami Beach Police K-9 officer had assisted in moving Flores' disabled Jeep Wrangler to the shoulder.
As the officer made a U-turn, he witnessed Robinson speeding and losing control before crashing into a divider and then Flores' Jeep.
The impact ejected Flores and another FIU student in the Jeep sustained a broken arm.
A responding Miami Beach Police sergeant stopped Robinson, who appeared unaware of the crash's severity, asking about the "other car."
Detectives noted signs of impairment, including slurred speech and the odor of alcohol.
After Robinson refused a blood test, a search warrant was obtained. He was then processed at the Miami Beach Police Station.
Robinson now faces serious legal consequences as investigators continue to determine the extent of his impairment at the time of the fatal crash.