Suspect involved in deadly hit-and-run in Tamarac caught on camera and taken into custody by police

Tamarac, Florida – A man suspected in a deadly hit-and-run that took place late last month in Tamarac has been arrested following a detailed investigation by the Broward Sheriff’s Office. Detectives from the BSO Traffic Homicide Unit identified Demetrius Etienne as the driver involved in the crash that killed pedestrian Shane Delinks on November 22.

According to investigators, the incident occurred at approximately 11:56 p.m. on a Saturday night near the 5000 block of North State Road 7. Surveillance footage from the area showed Delinks crossing the southbound lanes of the road mid-block, just north of Commercial Boulevard. At the same time, a silver Toyota Camry, later identified as being driven by Etienne, was traveling southbound in the left thru lane. The video captured the vehicle’s driver’s side front bumper striking Delinks in a sideswipe-type collision.

Following the initial impact, Delinks fell onto the pavement, remaining in the roadway between the left and center thru lanes. While he lay there, another vehicle—a black sedan—was seen driving over him before continuing southbound. Concerned motorists immediately stopped to render assistance.

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Cameras also captured Etienne pulling into the parking lot of a nearby Shell gas station, exiting his vehicle, and walking toward the location where Delinks had fallen. Etienne remained on the sidewalk along the west side of the roadway as bystanders tried to provide aid to Delinks. The footage showed him returning to his Toyota and fleeing the scene, driving southbound on North State Road 7, leaving the injured pedestrian behind.

Emergency crews from Tamarac Fire Rescue arrived on the scene and transported Delinks to Broward Health Medical Center in critical condition. Despite the rapid response, Delinks succumbed to his injuries several days later.

The BSO Traffic Homicide Unit, with the help of the Real Time Crime Center (RTCC), conducted a thorough investigation to locate Etienne and his vehicle. Utilizing surveillance footage, witness statements, and other investigative tools, detectives were able to confirm Etienne’s involvement in the crash.

Following his arrest, Etienne was transported to BSO’s Main Jail. He now faces multiple charges, including leaving the scene of an accident causing death and tampering with evidence. Authorities say the case highlights the importance of community vigilance and modern investigative tools, noting that the combination of video evidence and real-time analysis was crucial in identifying the suspect.

“The video evidence clearly shows the suspect exiting his vehicle, observing the victim, and then leaving the scene,” a BSO spokesperson said. “These actions will be part of the charges Etienne faces as the investigation moves forward.”

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Community members and traffic safety advocates have expressed concern over the incident, citing the dangers of high-traffic roadways in urban areas and the importance of yielding to pedestrians. BSO encourages drivers to remain alert, particularly in areas with mid-block crosswalks, and to never leave the scene of an accident.

Etienne’s arrest brings some closure to a tragic event, but the circumstances of Delinks’ death serve as a sobering reminder of the consequences of reckless driving and fleeing a crash. Authorities continue to urge anyone with additional information about the incident to contact the BSO Traffic Homicide Unit.

With the suspect in custody, prosecutors are expected to pursue the full range of charges as the investigation and legal process continue. For now, the community is left to grapple with the loss of Delinks and the impact of a crime that unfolded in a matter of seconds but left lasting consequences.

The case demonstrates the effectiveness of combining modern technology, community vigilance, and thorough police work to ensure accountability, sending a clear message that hit-and-run incidents resulting in death will be met with serious consequences.