A 25-year-old Vero Beach resident has been apprehended and remains in custody following a fatal hit-and-run collision that claimed the life of an electric bicycle rider last month. Michael Steigerwald was arrested by Florida Highway Patrol troopers at his home and faces serious charges in connection with the tragic August incident.
Steigerwald is currently being held at the Indian River County Jail on a $500,000 bond and has been formally charged with failure to stop or remain at a crash involving a death.
Florida Highway Patrol investigators utilized scene debris, witness testimonies, and community camera systems to track down a 2015 Ford F-150 that was deliberately hidden in a Vero Beach backyard days after the fatal collision.
The fatal crash occurred shortly before 9:00 p.m. on August 9 at the intersection of Eighth Street and 14th Avenue in Vero Beach. According to traffic investigators, the victim, identified as Steven Edward Poteat, was traveling westbound along Eighth Street on a HiKeep e-bike. Steigerwald, driving a white 2015 Ford F-150 pickup truck, was traveling directly behind the bicycle.
Troopers determined that the driver attempted to bypass the e-bike by steering in a southwesterly direction, partially crossing over into the eastbound lanes. Despite this evasive maneuver, the right side of the pickup struck Poteat, throwing him to the pavement. Instead of stopping to render aid or contact 911 emergency services, the driver fled the area.
Poteat was subsequently transported to HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital in Fort Pierce, where he was tragically pronounced dead by medical staff. A passing motorist traveling eastbound witnessed the erratic movement of the fleeing truck, discovering Poteat in the roadway, and stayed to assist the injured victim until first responders arrived.
Law enforcement built a comprehensive case utilizing evidence left at the crash scene and critical witness interviews:
- Crash Scene Evidence: Troopers recovered a detached right-side rearview mirror belonging to a 2015 Ford F-150, alongside a hat, headphones, sandals, and scattered vehicle debris.
- Surveillance Data: Flock Safety camera searches confirmed the suspect’s truck had an intact rearview mirror before the crash and was missing the same mirror the following day. Additional area surveillance captured the sounds of braking, the collision, a horn, and visual evidence of scattering debris.
- Witness Testimonies: A female witness reported that Steigerwald had consumed alcoholic beverages before leaving her residence at 8:44 p.m., just minutes before the crash. She noted his truck’s mirror was previously cracked but still attached. Later, Steigerwald allegedly admitted to her that he “hit someone” but claimed “they got up.”
- Concealment of the Vehicle: An acquaintance told investigators that Steigerwald reached out on August 11, asking to park the Ford F-150 in the man’s backyard to keep it out of sight.
Troopers successfully located the hidden pickup truck on August 12 in the 2500 block of Second Street Southwest in Vero Beach. The vehicle was promptly towed to the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office forensic services building for thorough evidence processing.
Steigerwald was booked into the county jail and is scheduled for an arraignment hearing on the morning of October 14, according to Indian River County court records. Authorities continue to emphasize the severe legal consequences of leaving the scene of a crash, particularly those resulting in fatal injuries to vulnerable road users in the community.
