Man accused in Kissimmee fatal hit-and-run in process of bonding out

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — A judge increased the bail amount on an accused hit-and-run driver, and the victim’s family has a message for him.

Alexander Valentin was arrested Thursday after he was on the run for more than a year, authorities said.

On Aug. 25, 2015, Valentin, 21, of Kissimmee lost control on US-192 and Locksley Lane, hit a curb, and struck Quintin Azamar Reyes, 51, who was riding a bicycle, troopers said.

There was a sign placed at the scene of the crash in memory of Reyes.

Troopers said DNA found behind the wheel led them to Valentin.

"It's a loss that's irreplaceable, but we have him in our hearts and we know that he's in heaven," said Azmar’s godmother.

His godmother, Nora, said she forgives Valentin.

"We want him to know, like family, we forgive him. With all of our heart, we forgive him, and we hope he can find peace in Christ," Nora said. "He's a young man who deserves to live a healthy life, which is achieved only through Christ."

Valentin’s family asked to be left alone.

Valentin faced a judge Friday morning. Valentin was labeled a flight risk after he was accused not just of leaving the scene of the crash, but of running from investigators after learning they had a warrant for his arrest.

"I'm going to order that you not leave Orange County without permission of the court," said the judge.

Nora said she doesn't mind that justice came more than a year after the fact.

"I hope he gives many blessings to Alexander's mom because I know she must be going through a very bad time," said Nora.

Nora said she just hopes Valentin's mother will be blessed now that her son faces years in prison, because she understands the feeling of losing a child.

When troopers ran Valentin's name during his arrest, they found out he had a second arrest warrant on a grand theft charge.

According to the Orange County Jail, Valentin is in the process of posting bail.

Cox Media Group