Bodycam footage captured the tragic aftermath of a fatal motorcycle crash in Miami Beach, where a driver who had reportedly fallen asleep behind the wheel struck and killed the motorcyclist. The incident took place on April 15 at the intersection of Meridian Avenue and 41st Street. Miami Beach Police stated that a pickup truck was speeding eastbound on 41st Street when it crossed into the westbound lanes and collided with the motorcycle, causing the rider to be thrown approximately 90 feet from the crash site.
Upon arriving at the scene, officials can be seen in the exclusive body camera video obtained by 7News, frantically trying to save the motorcyclist’s life. Despite efforts to assist the victim, he ultimately succumbed to his injuries after being transported to the hospital. The driver of the pickup truck, identified as 32-year-old Patrick Schiebel, expressed concern for the victim and cooperated with authorities at the scene. Schiebel was later arrested and charged with vehicular homicide and reckless driving, revealing that he had been sleep-deprived and awake for over 24 hours at the time of the crash.
Questions have been raised regarding why Schiebel was allowed to walk free on the night of the incident and why it took several months for his arrest to occur. An Internal Affairs investigation has been initiated to review the handling of the case, with Traffic Homicide investigator Richard Rodriguez being reassigned pending the outcome of the investigation. This marks the second Internal Affairs investigation related to a crash in April 2024, following a hit-and-run incident near the Miami Beach Police headquarters that led to the arrest of another individual.
As Schiebel’s case progresses towards trial, Miami Beach officials continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. The Internal Affairs inquiry aims to provide clarity on the events leading up to the fatal collision and address any potential misconduct or oversights in the handling of the case. Stay informed by subscribing to our newsletter for the latest updates and news delivered directly to your inbox.
