ORLANDO, Fla. — A local Muslim group has renewed its call for an arrest in the fatal hit-and-run of 22-year-old exchange student Mahmoud Arabi, who was struck and killed on International Drive near Vineland Road a year ago.
Arabi, who was in central Florida for Disney's internship program, was crossing I-Drive when he was struck by a driver who then fled the scene.
The American Muslim Youth Leadership Council has rallied around the case, trying to drum up support and awareness hoping it can lead to an arrest.
"I don't even think after this man is caught we'll have closure, but I think it'll be a first step toward closure," said a representative. "We've waited long enough. It's been a year. I think it's time. I think this case should take some sort of priority."
Arabi's mother came to town last year to take her son's body back home and at that time asked anyone in the community to help Florida Highway Patrol with its case.
FHP authorities located the car they believe was involved, but they've said there are still other pieces to the puzzle.
An FHP official said they'd been waiting on two crucial pieces of evidence to come back from FDLE's crime lab. They now have those pieces and can proceed with trying to make an arrest.
The official also said they've wanted to make sure they have the strongest case possible to put Arabi's killer behind bars.
The council announced it will offer a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest of the driver. The group rallied around the case since his family lives in Australia.
In a statement, Disney said: "Our hearts go out to Mahmoud’s family for their loss, and we have provided assistance to them during the past year. We respect the expertise of the Florida Highway Patrol as they continue to lead this investigation."
Anyone with information is asked to contact authorities.