A 41-year-old woman lost her life after being struck by a speeding vehicle in Miami. The driver, identified as Ivana Gómez, was apprehended shortly after the crash as she attempted to flee the scene. Authorities reported that Gómez showed clear signs of alcohol intoxication and refused to cooperate with law enforcement.
Tragic Incident and Failed Escape
The collision occurred at the intersection of 7th Street and 21st Avenue Southwest, in Miami's Little Havana neighborhood. According to Telemundo 51, the victim was identified as Katrin Carlin, who was walking across the street when she was hit by a fast-moving vehicle. Fortunately, an officer patrolling nearby witnessed part of the event.
Miami Police Department spokesperson Mike Vega stated that the officer saw a blue BMW speeding by and attempted to follow it, only to witness the car striking a woman crossing the street. The vehicle halted just a block and a half later at a red light, where the officer caught up with it. Inside, Ivana Gómez, 33, was detected with a strong smell of alcohol, and her speech was described as incoherent.
Gómez refused to take a breathalyzer test at the scene, prompting the authorities to obtain a court order for a blood sample.
Gruesome Evidence and Witness Accounts
The impact of the collision was severe. As reported by NBC Miami, the crash was so intense that "part of the victim's hair was embedded in the BMW's windshield and found on the front passenger's headrest." The police report mentioned that Gómez had overtaken the officer at high speed moments before the incident, failing to stop even when lights and sirens were activated.
"Cars are always speeding here. We saw this coming," remarked a local resident to Telemundo 51. CBS News gathered more heart-wrenching testimonies. Mari Cardozo, a neighbor, lamented the lack of human empathy following the incident: "There's no sense of humanity. They didn't care. It's heartbreaking." Her neighbor, Anyeli Arango, expressed the fear residents feel walking those streets: "It's terrifying. Honestly, you step out for a walk and, boom, it could be your last."
Arrest, Charges, and Legal Proceedings
Gómez was detained on the spot and taken to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center (TGK). There, according to CBS News, she refused to cooperate with police and demanded an attorney. Despite this, two court-authorized blood extractions were conducted, one by force, as she resisted getting onto the fire truck. Officers also noted what appeared to be fresh vomit inside the vehicle.
During her court appearance the Saturday following the incident, Gómez was charged with "leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death and resisting an officer without violence," as reported by NBC Miami. The prosecution requested a $1 million bail, but the judge set it at $251,500, revoked her passports, and placed her under house arrest.
A cousin of the victim spoke at the hearing, expressing the family's profound grief. "I just want Your Honor to be aware of the bright light lost in this world due to the incredible irresponsibility of this defendant," she stated.
The Miami Police indicated that additional charges against Ivana Gómez might be forthcoming, depending on the blood test results. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities voicing concerns over the rising number of drivers fleeing accident scenes.
"We always remind the community: if involved in an accident, do not run. Now this woman faces charges for leaving the scene of a fatal accident," emphasized Mike Vega.
Key Details About the Little Havana Hit-and-Run
What charges does Ivana Gómez face?
Ivana Gómez is charged with leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death and resisting an officer without violence.
Where did the incident occur?
The fatal crash took place at the intersection of 7th Street and 21st Avenue Southwest in the Little Havana neighborhood of Miami.
What evidence was found at the scene?
Evidence included a strong odor of alcohol and incoherent speech from Gómez, as well as part of the victim's hair embedded in the BMW's windshield.