Firefighter could face more charges in Miami-Dade crash; police say it was fatal

Vidal Lazo already charged with child neglect after crash injured 3-year-old daughter

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – A South Florida volunteer firefighter charged with child neglect for a crash that injured his 3-year-old daughter may face more charges.

Miami-Dade police said Tuesday that a woman also died in the crash. Family members identified her Wednesday as 77-year-old Ileana Mendiguitia.

Vidal Lazo, 47, who told a judge on Monday that he is a volunteer firefighter, suffered his own injuries in the crash. The website for Southwest Ranches lists Lazo, of southwest Miami-Dade, as a lieutenant.

The crash happened on Dec. 21 along Southwest 134th Avenue and Bird Road. Multiple cars were involved and at least five people were injured.

Family members ID victim:

Police said Lazo was driving under the influence of opiates and methamphetamines at the time of the crash.

He appeared in court in a wheelchair, telling the judge he broke his back and cannot work for at least six months.

Lazo’s daughter is still being treated in the intensive care unit for multiple fractures.

The Florida Department of Children Families is also involved in the case.


About the Author
Bridgette Matter headshot

Bridgette Matter joined the Local 10 News team as a reporter in July 2021. Before moving to South Florida, she began her career in South Bend, Indiana and spent six years in Jacksonville as a reporter and weekend anchor.

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