Fort Lauderdale police said they have arrested a man in connection to a hit-and-run that claimed the life of a 70-year-old South Florida grandfather earlier this week.

According to information provided by Fort Lauderdale police, officers responded to reports that a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle in the 400 block of West Sunrise Boulevard around 8 p.m. Monday night, and that vehicle had fled the scene.

When officers arrived at the scene, they said they found a man who had been hit by a vehicle. That man, police said, was identified as 70-year-old Johnnie Lee Davis, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Fort Lauderdale police said a suspect was identified after an investigation, and 25-year-old Travaris Lamain McCoy was located and taken into custody on Thursday. Police told CBS News Miami that interviews with witnesses and a review of surveillance video helped lead investigators to the white pickup truck involved. Some surveillance video from a nearby business shows traffic on Sunrise Boulevard and captures the crash itself.

McCoy is being charged with leaving the scene of a crash involving death. He appeared in bond court Friday morning, where testimony was presented that he confessed to his involvement in the hit-and-run. In court, an assistant state attorney said McCoy never should have been driving, telling the judge that his license was revoked as a habitual traffic offender. The prosecutor said McCoy confessed, identified himself, and admitted he was driving the vehicle when the crash occurred.

In addition to the charge of leaving the scene of a crash involving death, McCoy now faces multiple other charges, including driving with a suspended license. Court records show McCoy is also charged with carrying a concealed weapon and failing to stop and remain at the scene of a crash involving a death.

A judge found probable cause for the charges and set McCoy's bond at $76,000. If he is able to post bond, he will be required to remain in Broward County and will not be allowed to leave. The judge also ordered McCoy to wear a GPS monitor, surrender his passport and not drive if he posts bond.

Court records show McCoy has an extensive arrest history, including multiple arrests dating back to 2019, as well as a charge involving fleeing and eluding in 2021.

"The Fort Lauderdale Police Department remains committed to ensuring justice in this case and extends its deepest condolences to the family of (Johnnie) Lee Davis during this difficult time," police said in a statement.

Family had been pleading for answers after beloved grandfather killed

Grieving family members had been pleading for the public's help after their beloved grandfather was struck and killed.

Davis's daughter, Jazzlynn Simmons, said she is grateful an arrest has been made.

"I am very upset, and I am heartbroken," Simmons said. "My heart is happy. I feel really good. I just want justice, and God has answered all my prayers," she said.

The family said their grandfather was killed as he was crossing the street.

"He was trying to cross over to the store when a truck, a white pickup truck, hit him and kept going," Simmons said. "I am disappointed that he left the scene. He could have stopped and checked my father to see if he was still breathing. He did something that was very cruel," she added.

Simmons said her father was well known and loved in the community. 

"I really miss my father. Not a day goes by that I don't think about him. He loved to sit on the porch and enjoy the fresh air and be with his fellow people," she said.

Davis's granddaughter, Jakayla Simmons, said, "He was very passionate. He was caring, and he loved his family and the community. I wish you would turn yourself in. We are not looking for revenge. We are not looking to retaliate. We just want justice."