Cocoa grandfather asks hit-and-run driver to come forward

COCOA, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - A grandfather is speaking out after a hit-and-run incident that left him and his granddaughter injured. He said the driver needs to do the right thing and turn himself into authorities.  

Robert Brown, 52, is recovering at home following last Thursday's wreck in Cocoa. Police say he was on a motorcycle along Fiske Blvd. with his 8-year-old granddaughter, Ahnyla, when someone hit them and took off.   "I just tried to slow it down enough and throw my arm back for my granddaughter and we just hit," he says.  

Robert says the dark green pick up truck with extended cab kept driving into an apartment complex off Fiske, after they were thrown off the motorcycle and left lying in the street.  "I crawled around till I found my grand daughter. She was laying there crying. She was crying I knew she was all right, that was a relief."

We talked to Ahnyla a few days ago about her injuries,  "I have a fractured wrist but feeling ok," she says. Robert is still in pain, explaining that he broke his wrist in two places.  He says doctors had to put in two plates in his arm, to hold everything together.  "I was just worried about my granddaughter back there.  That's my main concern, her safety. I didn't want her getting hurt more than what she was. That's my heart, my only granddaughter. I got two grandsons and a grandson on the way. Only granddaughter, so I got to take care of her."

Robert believes several things saved his life, including his helmet. "That's a must, I would never ride without one and I believe that saved us with the impact." He also thinks someone was watching over him, "The man above,  He was looking out for us, because the injuries should have been more that what it was. I'm blessed, we're blessed."

Police say the pick up truck with extended cab will have damage to the lower fender and back passenger side door.  "He got a big dent in the side of his truck," Robert says.

Anyone with information on the driver is asked to call the Cocoa Police Department or Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS (8477).  A reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest.