Driver Sentenced to Prison in Fatal Hit-and-Run Accident With Boca Raton Bicyclist

Samuel Carvalho Vasconcellos (Credit: PBSO)

A driver was sentenced to a term in state prison, among other penalties, in connection with a fatal hit-and-run accident in which his vehicle struck a Boca Raton man riding his bicycle.

Samuel Carvalho Vasconcellos, of Pompano Beach, whose age was not available, pleaded guilty last week to a charge of leaving the scene of a crash involving death in the April 29, 2023 crash, which occurred at about 5:30 a.m. He was sentenced to four years in state prison, five years of probation, 12 months of community control, and 100 hours of community service.

The accident took the life of Boca Raton resident Longuinho Amaral, Jr., 46. According to a statement from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, Vasconcellos was driving his 2022 Chevrolet Malibu eastbound on SW 18th Street in the outside lane directly behind Amaral, who had both front and rear lights activated on his bicycle.

The front of the vehicle collided with the rear of the bicycle, with the impact causing the cyclist to be ejected from the bicycle, ultimately landing on top of the vehicle that struck him. According to deputies, the driver initially stopped and made contact with Amaral, but then left without calling authorities or leaving any information. He was located at his home in Broward County later that day by way of “investigative leads” and was taken into custody May 9.

Amaral succumbed to his injuries May 1. Vasconcellos was lodged in the Broward County Jail following his arrest.

The sentence imposed on Vasconcellos also includes a driver license suspension for three years and no possession or consumption of drugs or alcohol without a prescription.