A male individual was taken into custody for allegedly hitting a woman who was riding an electric bicycle and then driving around eight blocks with her body on the windshield, as per officials.
Xavier Omar Rigby, aged 22, was operating a 2021 Nissan Altima at a high rate of speed while Kjersten Aileen-Hermance Strang, 38 years old, was cycling on her E-bike in the right lane.
Reportedly, Rigby collided with the back of Strang’s bicycle with such force that it propelled her onto the windshield of his car. Authorities mentioned he continued driving for eight blocks until her body was dislodged from the vehicle and fell onto the street.
The individual fled the scene without contacting emergency services. Sadly, Strang was declared deceased at the scene. She was a single mother to a young son, with her family describing her as an “angel” and a highly compassionate member of the community, as reported by Fox 13.
Police in St. Petersburg, Florida apprehended Rigby shortly after at a liquor store approximately a mile away from the accident site and noticed signs of impairment.
Law enforcement officers detected alcohol on Rigby’s breath, observed bloodshot eyes, and noticed slurred speech. Following his refusal to undergo a field sobriety test, Rigby was promptly arrested.
He was charged with leaving the scene of a fatal crash, vehicular homicide involving a hit-and-run, and DUI manslaughter.
Rigby had a prior criminal record that included speeding over 30 mph above the limit and a previous DUI offense.
During his court hearing, Judge Elizabeth Zuroweste stated, “I find that you pose a danger to the community and that no other measure can ensure your decision-making on the road, risking your life and the lives of others. Therefore, you will be held without bond for the charges of vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of a fatal crash.”
This incident follows the tragic deaths of two young newlyweds in a horrific collision caused by a suspected intoxicated driver.
João Pedro Prudêncio Cardoso and Maynara França Schio were on a Yamaha MT-03 motorcycle in the early morning when they crashed into a black Ford Ecosport driven by Dyonatha Chaves Oliveira, 36, who was allegedly above the legal alcohol limit. The teenage couple lost their lives at the scene.
João, 19, and Maynara, 18, had just tied the knot on August 28. The young couple had shared wedding photos on social media with touching captions. The accident occurred on the PA-160 highway in Parauapebas, northern Brazil.