California boxer arrested in hit-and-run that injured swimmer in Biscayne Bay, Florida officials say
A California man arrested in connection with a hit-and-run in Biscayne Bay that injured a swimmer over the weekend has been released from jail, according to Florida officials.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the unidentified 21-year-old woman was swimming in Biscayne Bay near Miami Marine Stadium when she was hit by a personal watercraft (PWC) around 7 p.m. Saturday night.
The FWC said the watercraft's operator, who was identified as 34-year-old Andy Vences, a boxer from the San Francisco Bay area, did nothing to help the victim after the incident and then fled the area without contacting authorities.
As the investigation continued, officers said they were able to obtain video and speak with witnesses that helped identify Vences.
"There is no excuse for leaving the scene of an accident," Miami-Dade County Area Capt. Rafael Almargo said in a statement. "I am pleased that officers were able to apprehend the subject so that he can be held responsible."
Vences was arrested and taken to jail on a felony charge of leaving the scene of an accident without rendering aid, but he has since been released.
According to tapology.com, Andy "El Tiburon" Vences, of San Jose, California, last fought in June 2023.
As of his last fight, his pro boxing record included 25 wins, five losses and one draw.
Other boating incidents reported in Biscayne Bay in recent weeks
This weekend's incident that injured a swimmer in Biscayne Bay is just one of many incidents reported over the past few weeks.
A South Florida woman was killed and a man was injured when they were thrown from their boat in Biscayne Bay on March 28.
How the two people were thrown from the boat remains under investigation.
Less than a week before that incident, another hit-and-run left a father dead and his 14-year-old son seriously injured.
According to the FWC, 55-year-old Davide Veglia, of North Miami, died and his son was hurt when their 7-foot inflatable dinghy was hit near Indian Creek and Biscayne Pointe by a boat that then fled the scene.