UPDATE: Melbourne Police Find Car Linked to Hit-and-Run That Killed 70-Year-Old Cyclist Near Eau Gallie Boulevard

bicyclist identified as James Griffin, 70, of Melbourne

BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA — Melbourne police say they have located and seized a vehicle believed to be involved in the fatal hit-and-run crash that killed 70-year-old bicyclist James Griffin earlier this week.

According to the Melbourne Police Department, Traffic Homicide Investigators tracked down the suspected vehicle after an extensive review of security footage provided by local business owners and residents.

The car was located at a property on St. Clair Street, where investigators executed a search warrant and seized the vehicle.

Police said the vehicle shows visible damage consistent with a collision and will undergo forensic processing to confirm its connection to the deadly crash and help identify the driver.

The crash occurred early Wednesday morning, around 5:33 a.m., at the intersection of Eau Gallie Boulevard and Highland Avenue.

Investigators said Griffin was riding westbound in the bicycle lane on Eau Gallie Boulevard when he was struck by a light-colored car that had turned west onto Eau Gallie from Pineapple Avenue.

Witnesses reported the vehicle was being driven erratically — swerving and squealing its tires — before hitting the bicycle. The driver fled the scene without stopping, continuing west on Eau Gallie Boulevard. Griffin was taken to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

Commander Shawn Eising said the department’s Traffic Enforcement Unit continues to investigate and thanked community members for their assistance. “Their cooperation was instrumental in advancing the investigation,” police said in a statement.

Anyone with additional information is urged to contact Officer Whiteside with the Traffic Enforcement Unit at 321-616-6087. Anonymous tips can also be shared through Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477) or online at Crimeline.org.

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