Last month, Angel Alberto Ochoa struck motorcyclist Esteban Dalpra with a seven-ton box truck and left him for dead in a torrent of blood on North Miami Avenue at 45th Street.
The GMC w4500 work vehicle he hit the beloved Miami tattoo artist with has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 14,000 - 16,000 pounds. If Dalpra didn't have a motorcycle helmet on, he likely would have been killed instantly.
The Florida Traffic Crash Report filed by Officer Anestor of the Miami Police Department clearly states that four witnesses saw Ochoa run a stop sign and cause the accident.
Esteban says, "I was basically conscious through everything. One of the first people to respond to the scene was actually a school police officer. I remember him telling this witness to take off his belt and tie it around my leg. If it wasn't for that guy making a tourniquet for my leg before the EMS got there, I would have bled to death before I even got to the hospital."
See also: Hell Bound City Tattoo Founder Esteban Dalpra Left in ICU After Hit-and-Run Motorcycle Crash
As of this writing Esteban is lying in a hospital bed at the Ryder Trauma Center. He says, "The first week I was here was crazy, strapped down to the bed so close to dying. Most of the doctors and nurses have been excellent. I feel blessed. They told me there were at least three times that I was actually dying. It was hell, but I was dying to live, and now I just want to move forward."
On the wall of his room on the third floor hangs an Argentinian flag plastered with the hospital ID stickers of the many people who have visited.
"All the support I've gotten has meant so much to me, man. I'm so thankful for all these people showing love. That's what keeps me going."
Now, friends are throwing him a benefit, Wednesday, November 27, at the Broken Shaker on Miami Beach. Attendees can get $50 tattoos by a slew of great artists, listen to music by Los Bastardos Magnificos, Juke, and The Whole Tones, and safely enjoy complimentary Sailor Jerry drinks till 9 p.m.
So this year for Thanksgiving, remember to give thanks not just for your own life, but that others get to live theirs too. Get well soon, Esteban!
Update: We have just received a copy of Angel Alberto Ochoa's arrest affidavit written by Miami Police Detective Lorraine Rubio and sent by Napier Velazquez of the Miami Police Department's Public Information Office. (click the image for full size).
According to Miami-DadeClerk.com, Ochoa has been charged with a felony count of Leaving The Scene Of An Accident With Serious Injury. He is currently free on a $5,000 Surety bond and faces an arraignment hearing November 27th at 9a.m.
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