Found white mercedes

[My Daily Run]

An 89-year-old Villager has been arrested in a hit-and-run crash that injured two bicyclists in The Villages.

Marilyn Jean Hamilton has been arrested by the Florida Highway Patrol in the Oct. 30 hit-and-run crash that left 60-year-old Jessica Laube of the Village of Dunedin with a serious head injury. Her husband, 68-year-old Robert Hunter had been riding with her on Morse Boulevard and also was struck by Hamilton’s white Mercedes.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

My mom voluntarily turned in her driver's license when she turned 90, even though she was driven around by her sons, even though she lives alone. My dad did not, and I would not let him drive me anywhere, and would tell him he was dangerous. He rear ended a car making a left turn as he didn't see it. My mom, the doctors took his license away. Its very difficult when one lives alone to give up driving, however, there is no excuse for leaving the scene. . .

I think the judge was too lenient with the $10,000 bail bond, because accidents will happen, but leaving the scene is a character flaw for taking responsibility.

[bagboy]

The fact that her vehicle was found at a repair shop in Gainesville shows a clear attempt to avoid prosecution, and surely she knows what she did was wrong. There is also someone out there that is complicit in this attempt to skirt prosecution.

[Dana1963]

An 89-year-old Villager has been arrested in a hit-and-run crash that injured two bicyclists in The Villages.

Marilyn Jean Hamilton has been arrested by the Florida Highway Patrol in the Oct. 30 hit-and-run crash that left 60-year-old Jessica Laube of the Village of Dunedin with a serious head injury. Her husband, 68-year-old Robert Hunter had been riding with her on Morse Boulevard and also was struck by Hamilton’s white Mercedes.
Time to bring Stocks and Pillory back to the Town Squares

[New Englander]

The fact that her vehicle was found at a repair shop in Gainesville shows a clear attempt to avoid prosecution, and surely she knows what she did was wrong. There is also someone out there that is complicit in this attempt to skirt prosecution.

:agree:

[vinricci]

So glad to hear they caught her. Shameful behavior.

[44Apple]

Time to bring Stocks and Pillory back to the Town Squares

Don't forget the Iron Maiden.

"Let him who is without..."

[Bjeanj]

The fact that her vehicle was found at a repair shop in Gainesville shows a clear attempt to avoid prosecution, and surely she knows what she did was wrong. There is also someone out there that is complicit in this attempt to skirt prosecution.

I looked up Mercedes dealerships, and the closest one is in either Gainesville or Orlando. So, I don’t think it was a clear attempt to avoid prosecution.

However, I think that leaving the scene of a personal injury accident DOES demonstrate an attempt to avoid prosecution. Caused by.... can only speculate. Any of a number of things.

[EdFNJ]

Deservedly they will take her DL away and hand her the keys to a new golf cart.

[Funkman]

Time to bring Stocks and Pillory back to the Town Squares

Old school 'social distancing'

[manaboutown]

Considering the injuries the bicyclists suffered, that she stopped and got out of the car and saw what she had done, then took off, never reported it and probably did not call 911 and then drove to a distant dealership for repairs, she should be drawn and quartered.

[retiredguy123]

Unfortunately, Florida law only allows a maximum of 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

[thelegges]

Either Benz dealership offers ride back home, or a rental. Sad part is she may or may not remember the accident.

[thelegges]

Unfortunately, Florida law only allows a maximum of 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

At 89 I doubt she would last 5 years in a prison.

[Stu from NYC]

Hope she does spend a number of years behind bars.

Or could we draw and quarter her?

[Stu from NYC]

I looked up Mercedes dealerships, and the closest one is in either Gainesville or Orlando. So, I don’t think it was a clear attempt to avoid prosecution.

However, I think that leaving the scene of a personal injury accident DOES demonstrate an attempt to avoid prosecution. Caused by.... can only speculate. Any of a number of things.

Could be she thought that if she went some distance away the dealership would not know about the incident.

[thelegges]

Could be she thought that if she went some distance away the dealership would not know about the incident.

Doubt it if u drive a Benz you go to the dealership. She may not be able to grasp the severity of her actions

[Gulfcoast]

My mom voluntarily turned in her driver's license when she turned 90, even though she was driven around by her sons, even though she lives alone. My dad did not, and I would not let him drive me anywhere, and would tell him he was dangerous. He rear ended a car making a left turn as he didn't see it. My mom, the doctors took his license away. Its very difficult when one lives alone to give up driving, however, there is no excuse for leaving the scene. . .

I think the judge was too lenient with the $10,000 bail bond, because accidents will happen, but leaving the scene is a character flaw for taking responsibility.

I hope they took her license because there was clearly evidence of some sort of accident.

[manaboutown]

At 89 I doubt she would last 5 years in a prison.

A life sentence for her would be justice served.

[Mrprez]

My mom voluntarily turned in her driver's license when she turned 90, even though she was driven around by her sons, even though she lives alone. My dad did not, and I would not let him drive me anywhere, and would tell him he was dangerous. He rear ended a car making a left turn as he didn't see it. My mom, the doctors took his license away. Its very difficult when one lives alone to give up driving, however, there is no excuse for leaving the scene. . .

I think the judge was too lenient with the $10,000 bail bond, because accidents will happen, but leaving the scene is a character flaw for taking responsibility.

Is bond supposed to be punitive? I thought it was there to ensure that you will return for your hearing/court dates?

[missypie]

Her children must be heartbroken and sick all at the same time. My heart goes out to all involved. Leaving the scene was horrendous.
.

[Stu from NYC]

Is bond supposed to be punitive? I thought it was there to ensure that you will return for your hearing/court dates?

And you think a measly 10,000 would cause her to return?

[Mrprez]

And you think a measly 10,000 would cause her to return?

Where is she going to go? Should they keep her locked up and come down with COVID? There are lots of other who were let loose on no bail. I certainly don’t condone her actions.

[Gulfcoast]

Her children must be heartbroken and sick all at the same time. My heart goes out to all involved. Leaving the scene was horrendous.
.

I'm feeling a bit unsympathetic right now. For an almost 90 year old woman to be so addled as to not know that she had hit and badly injured two cyclists, yet cognizant enough and to get her car repaired in Gainesville.

[Mrprez]

Her children must be heartbroken and sick all at the same time. My heart goes out to all involved. Leaving the scene was horrendous.
.

Her “children”? You mean the ones that are in their 60s or 70s?

[wisbad1]

An 89-year-old Villager has been arrested in a hit-and-run crash that injured two bicyclists in The Villages.

Marilyn Jean Hamilton has been arrested by the Florida Highway Patrol in the Oct. 30 hit-and-run crash that left 60-year-old Jessica Laube of the Village of Dunedin with a serious head injury. Her husband, 68-year-old Robert Hunter had been riding with her on Morse Boulevard and also was struck by Hamilton’s white Mercedes.
Omg! She’s gonna get 6 months probation if that. 89 years old, what else can you do?

[manaboutown]

Her children must be heartbroken and sick all at the same time. My heart goes out to all involved. Leaving the scene was horrendous.
.

Geez! What about the children of the cyclists?

[graciegirl]

Either Benz dealership offers ride back home, or a rental. Sad part is she may or may not remember the accident.

She looked perfectly lucid in her mug shot and remarkably younger than 89.

[manaboutown]

She looked perfectly lucid in her mug shot and remarkably younger than 89.

I wonder if she was in a rush to get to a hair appointment and then back home for ice cream.

[thelegges]

She looked perfectly lucid in her mug shot and remarkably younger than 89.

My expertise is not in psychology, so I would not comment to lucid as a diagnosis, looking at a photo.

[Windguy]

I looked up Mercedes dealerships, and the closest one is in either Gainesville or Orlando. So, I don’t think it was a clear attempt to avoid prosecution.

Dealerships do not do body work. There are plenty of body shops nearby. She was definitely trying to avoid prosecution.

[Scott O]

Unfortunately, Florida law only allows a maximum of 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
how long do you think an 89 year old lady would last in prison...kinda a moot point

[Windguy]

I hope they took her license because there was clearly evidence of some sort of accident.

My 90yo mother had a heart attack while driving and hit another car. She died in the hospital a few hours later. When the cop called me to inform me, he asked if I knew if her license had expired many years earlier. I was living out west at the time and had no idea.

Just because someone loses their license doesn’t mean they will stop driving.

[Girlcopper]

An 89-year-old Villager has been arrested in a hit-and-run crash that injured two bicyclists in The Villages.

Marilyn Jean Hamilton has been arrested by the Florida Highway Patrol in the Oct. 30 hit-and-run crash that left 60-year-old Jessica Laube of the Village of Dunedin with a serious head injury. Her husband, 68-year-old Robert Hunter had been riding with her on Morse Boulevard and also was struck by Hamilton’s white Mercedes.
Im sure most prople read this in the paper so there is no need to blast her name all over here too. Thats pretty lousy. Shes 89, trying to take care of herself and had an accident. She left out of fright, im sure.

[Windguy]

This accident may have been avoided if she had been driving one of the new smart cars that assist in avoiding accidents. Fully self-driving cars (once fully developed) would be even better.

Maybe those of us who have elderly parents should consider getting or encouraging them to upgrade technology. The next biker struck may not survive the accident. How would you feel if it were your parent who killed someone?

[Windguy]

Im sure most prople read this in the paper

People still read the paper? I don’t know anyone who reads the paper.

[La lamy]

Unfortunately, Florida law only allows a maximum of 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

For a hit an run that could have caused death or serious disability?!!! That's insane.

[La lamy]

Im sure most prople read this in the paper so there is no need to blast her name all over here too. Thats pretty lousy. Shes 89, trying to take care of herself and had an accident. She left out of fright, im sure.

WHAT?! You defend that?!!! Maybe we've got another person to watch for hit and run possibility. ::shocked::shocked::ohdear::ohdear::ohdear::ohdear :

[MandoMan]

An 89-year-old Villager has been arrested in a hit-and-run crash that injured two bicyclists in The Villages.

Marilyn Jean Hamilton has been arrested by the Florida Highway Patrol in the Oct. 30 hit-and-run crash that left 60-year-old Jessica Laube of the Village of Dunedin with a serious head injury. Her husband, 68-year-old Robert Hunter had been riding with her on Morse Boulevard and also was struck by Hamilton’s white Mercedes.

As no one has died yet, it seems that this hit and run accident, fleeing the scene of an accident, failure to stop and provide medical attention, etc., is a Third Degree Felony in Florida with a penalty of five years in prison OR five years of probation and. $5,000 fine. As days passed before the woman was found, who knows if she was DUI. She won’t be charged with that.

If one of the victims dies, it becomes a First Degree Felony with up to 30 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. If she was also DUI, there is a four year mandatory minimum sentence.

Losing one’s license is traumatic—it changes one’s life a lot, quite often. Of course, being knocked off a bicycle and spending time on a respirator following a serious head injury is also pretty traumatic. It can often lead to a permanent change in one’s life.

Some of us may say five years of probation and a $5,000 fine is too much for an 89 year old woman, and others may say it isn’t enough. However, I would be shocked if she doesn’t also face a personal injury lawsuit and have to spend time in court defending herself from that. That is very stressful. It is also likely to be very expensive, possibly well beyond what her insurance will cover.

[Dilligas]

Is bond supposed to be punitive? I thought it was there to ensure that you will return for your hearing/court dates?
A $10,000 charge for return insurance is not tying her down. the $1,000 deposit is chump change and the whole bond is covered by her car as collateral. Ten times that bond would be more reassuring. Also, taker her keys with her license to keep her off the roads.

[Shadia328]

Thank God this person has been found. Prayers for the bicyclist. Bail is WAY too low!

[Rga20]

The criminal penalties will be limited probably, however, the civil claims will be huge...and rightfully so.

[merrymini]

Im sure most prople read this in the paper so there is no need to blast her name all over here too. Thats pretty lousy. Shes 89, trying to take care of herself and had an accident. She left out of fright, im sure.

Her name is not privileged. She is accused of committing a crime and leaving two people to die in the street. Your lack of compassion for the innocent victims and their families is duly noted. I hope the family of the victims sues her for everything she has. An accident can happen but you do not leave people to die in the road.

[Singerlady]

I looked up Mercedes dealerships, and the closest one is in either Gainesville or Orlando. So, I don’t think it was a clear attempt to avoid prosecution.

However, I think that leaving the scene of a personal injury accident DOES demonstrate an attempt to avoid prosecution. Caused by.... can only speculate. Any of a number of things.

The location of the closest Mercedes repair shop has nothing to do with her intent to avoid or not avoid prosecution. She took it to a shop instead of turning herself in or staying at the scene of the accident. Clearly she knew what was going on and did not want to be found.

[Singerlady]

Unfortunately, Florida law only allows a maximum of 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

We’ll take that with possible other upgraded charges depending on the woman’s condition going forward.

[Singerlady]

Im sure most prople read this in the paper so there is no need to blast her name all over here too. Thats pretty lousy. Shes 89, trying to take care of herself and had an accident. She left out of fright, im sure.
You might feel differently if you were a relative/friend of the bicyclists.

[Marathon Man]

Im sure most prople read this in the paper so there is no need to blast her name all over here too. Thats pretty lousy. Shes 89, trying to take care of herself and had an accident. She left out of fright, im sure.

And was so frightened that the next day she took her car to get reapired. OH PLEASE !!!!! She was trying to take care of herself alright.

This attempt to justify her actions make me suspicious that we have another dangerous driver on the road.

[wwwson]

My mom voluntarily turned in her driver's license when she turned 90, even though she was driven around by her sons, even though she lives alone. My dad did not, and I would not let him drive me anywhere, and would tell him he was dangerous. He rear ended a car making a left turn as he didn't see it. My mom, the doctors took his license away. Its very difficult when one lives alone to give up driving, however, there is no excuse for leaving the scene. . .

I think the judge was too lenient with the $10,000 bail bond, because accidents will happen, but leaving the scene is a character flaw for taking responsibility.

I am not sure why the bail is considered lenient. It is only in place to ensure return of the person charged to answer charges?

[camaguey48]

An 89-year-old Villager has been arrested in a hit-and-run crash that injured two bicyclists in The Villages.

Marilyn Jean Hamilton has been arrested by the Florida Highway Patrol in the Oct. 30 hit-and-run crash that left 60-year-old Jessica Laube of the Village of Dunedin with a serious head injury. Her husband, 68-year-old Robert Hunter had been riding with her on Morse Boulevard and also was struck by Hamilton’s white Mercedes.
She may or may not have been at fault. However, leaving the scene cancels out that scenario; she probably panicked and left. I suppose her conscience was absent and trying to conceal her shameful action proves it. Hope the bikers recover.

[Skunky1]

Sue!

[Bay Kid]

Dad quite driving earlier this year because he didn't trust himself. The lady shouldn't have been driving. It is hell to get old.

[Skunky1]

Sooo she gets a pass cause she is 89? Maybe a well advertised stiff sentence(if found guilty) would have an impact on others faced with a similar situation.

[PennBF]

A lot of the comments on this remind me of the crowd outside the Sheriff's office in the old west yelling hang her and a noose in their hands. There are a number of questions which should be considered. Was she drunk and who served the liquor to a person over the limit? Did she have a medical crisis, like a TIA and was confused? was the Cart Path close to the road and led to confusion? A person who has a TIA may be confused and did not understand the happening? Forget the bond she paid or the limited jail sentence as she will be in her own mental prison for life and will not have her husband to comfort her! I would suggest it would be appropriate to pray for her and the victim's and not rush to judgement, including taking away the ability to drive for residents over the age of 75.. I know of residents 94 and older and would have no problem taking a trip with them and having them drive! Do I feel sorry for the Victims? Of course I do. But I am not ready to carry a noose around on my belt!:ohdear:

[Skunky1]

Accident? Careless comes to mind.

[shortstack]

I agree that what this woman did was horrendous and irresponsible. However, I find no logic in putting a 89 woman in prison. She should lose her license, pay medical bills, and have a substantial fine. She will be in her own prison by the shunning that I am sure that she will be subjected to. I also believe someone was guiding her which took her to Gainesville.

[Mrprez]

A $10,000 charge for return insurance is not tying her down. the $1,000 deposit is chump change and the whole bond is covered by her car as collateral. Ten times that bond would be more reassuring. Also, taker her keys with her license to keep her off the roads.

I agree with the last part. She definitely needs to be evaluated to determine if she is road worthy. People drive all the time without a drivers license, insurance and quite often wearing someone else’s pants!

[NoMoSno]

I agree that what this woman did was horrendous and irresponsible. However, I find no logic in putting a 89 woman in prison. She should lose her license, pay medical bills, and have a substantial fine. She will be in her own prison by the shunning that I am sure that she will be subjected to. I also believe someone was guiding her which took her to Gainesville.

No one had to guide her or take her to Gainsville.
MB dealership will come to your house, drop off a loaner then take your car in for repair.
Most likely all the nearby dealerships were given a BOLO by law enforcement.
She was caught as soon as she made the call to MB Gainsville.
Sad situation for everyone involved.

[Windguy]

A lot of the comments on this remind me of the crowd outside the Sheriff's office in the old west yelling hang her and a noose in their hands. There are a number of questions which should be considered. Was she drunk and who served the liquor to a person over the limit? Did she have a medical crisis, like a TIA and was confused? was the Cart Path close to the road and led to confusion? A person who has a TIA may be confused and did not understand the happening? Forget the bond she paid or the limited jail sentence as she will be in her own mental prison for life and will not have her husband to comfort her! I would suggest it would be appropriate to pray for her and the victim's and not rush to judgement, including taking away the ability to drive for residents over the age of 75.. I know of residents 94 and older and would have no problem taking a trip with them and having them drive! Do I feel sorry for the Victims? Of course I do. But I am not ready to carry a noose around on my belt!:ohdear:

What she experienced at the time does not mitigate her premeditated behavior of going all the way up to Gainesville to avoid prosecution. And, I know of no dealerships that do body work. If she just wanted to get her car repaired, there are numerous places nearby to do it. She proved her guilt by this.

[airstreamingypsy]

I suspect she simply called Mercedes, and they came down and picked up her car and left her a loaner. What's worse, if something can be worse, she was described by witnesses as having white hair, in her mug shot her hair is brown, so she clearly died it in hopes of not being recognized.

[greenflash245]

for sure

[greenflash245]

florida has far too many dangerous drivers on the road. throw her in jail for a while.

[greenflash245]

agree

[skyking]

A lot of the comments on this remind me of the crowd outside the Sheriff's office in the old west yelling hang her and a noose in their hands. There are a number of questions which should be considered. Was she drunk and who served the liquor to a person over the limit? Did she have a medical crisis, like a TIA and was confused? was the Cart Path close to the road and led to confusion? A person who has a TIA may be confused and did not understand the happening? Forget the bond she paid or the limited jail sentence as she will be in her own mental prison for life and will not have her husband to comfort her! I would suggest it would be appropriate to pray for her and the victim's and not rush to judgement, including taking away the ability to drive for residents over the age of 75.. I know of residents 94 and older and would have no problem taking a trip with them and having them drive! Do I feel sorry for the Victims? Of course I do. But I am not ready to carry a noose around on my belt!:ohdear:

A TIA and able to pull safely to the side of the road? Doubt that. Also if she was drunk at 11:20 am, she served herself.

[daca55]

WHAT?! You defend that?!!! Maybe we've got another person to watch for hit and run possibility. ::shocked::shocked::ohdear::ohdear::ohdear::ohdear :

You are right on! It appears she was trying to avoid prosecution. She should have stopped and called 911.

[spieka1912]

It’s not acceptable to leave two people in the street to die. There is no excuse for this whether you are 29 or 89 years old. She has changed two peoples lives, Jessica may never fully recover. If you believe the driver should be forgiven because she’s 89 years old look in the mirror. What if you were the victim. If this case is found to be acceptable in court, The Villages will not be a safe place to live.

[RedChariot]

Her name is not privileged. She is accused of committing a crime and leaving two people to die in the street. Your lack of compassion for the innocent victims and their families is duly noted. I hope the family of the victims sues her for everything she has. An accident can happen but you do not leave people to die in the road.

Very well said.

[Indydealmaker]

So glad to hear they caught her. Shameful behavior.

Were there any witnesses?

[virtualcynthia]

We need a section with a high walkability index. I would love to know that when I’m 80 I can give up my car and walk to a nearby strip mall for basic needs and use car service for anything further.

[bilcon]

She will not spend a day in prison, unless the person dies. Just my opinion.

[OhioBuckeye]

An 89-year-old Villager has been arrested in a hit-and-run crash that injured two bicyclists in The Villages.

Marilyn Jean Hamilton has been arrested by the Florida Highway Patrol in the Oct. 30 hit-and-run crash that left 60-year-old Jessica Laube of the Village of Dunedin with a serious head injury. Her husband, 68-year-old Robert Hunter had been riding with her on Morse Boulevard and also was struck by Hamilton’s white Mercedes.

Shouldn’t be driving at that age no matter what she thinks. To bad Mrs. or Miss Hamilton has to go through this kind of embarrassment & knowingly just about killing 2 people. Hang your keys up Mrs. Hamilton, at about 90 yrs.old don’t press your luck you might not be so lucky next time!

[thelegges]

A TIA and able to pull safely to the side of the road? Doubt that. Also if she was drunk at 11:20 am, she served herself.

Usually a TIA put you in a loop memory, say if you are having a conversation at start of TIA, that conversation begins and ends, then starts with the exact same verbiage. Even if you change their surroundings, such as going to an ED, the loop continues. Some TIAs do not require a medical intervention, but can be detected with labs. Memory of what occurred during the TIA, can happen, but sometimes patient sometimes refuses or can’t except what happened during a TIA. Witnessed more than I care to remember in my lifetime.

[golfing eagles]

Usually a TIA put you in a loop memory, say if you are having a conversation at start of TIA, that conversation begins and ends, then starts with the exact same verbiage. Even if you change their surroundings, such as going to an ED, the loop continues. Some TIAs do not require a medical intervention, but can be detected with labs. Memory of what occurred during the TIA, can happen, but sometimes patient sometimes refuses or can’t except what happened during a TIA. Witnessed more than I care to remember in my lifetime.

Witnessed, evaluated, diagnosed and treated many more than that-----and your post is utter nonsense

[LiverpoolWalrus]

Time to bring Stocks and Pillory back to the Town Squares

If that’s what it takes to get remorseless hit and run drivers off the road.

(I wasn’t aware the Villages had them at one time.)

[DAVES]

Deservedly they will take her DL away and hand her the keys to a new golf cart.

I'm sure you are being amusing. I drive car, golf cart and ride a bike. In a golf cart?
She will be any safer for those around her? Likely she will then be uninsured.
To most truly important issues there are no simple and painless answers.

[PugMom]

Either Benz dealership offers ride back home, or a rental. Sad part is she may or may not remember the accident.

i considered your point last night, it IS possible she may have cognitive issues, which may indicate why she drove off. maybe her dr.s told her not to drive, & she knows she shouldn't be, so in fear, left the scene

[golfing eagles]

i considered your point last night, it IS possible she may have cognitive issues, which may indicate why she drove off. maybe her dr.s told her not to drive, & she knows she shouldn't be, so in fear, left the scene

And then, with her cognitive impairment, arranged for the car to be repaired in Gainesville and furthermore dyed her hair brown????????

[John_W]

The jails do not want an 89 year old. The judge will suspend her license for ten years and give her five years probation.

[B-flat]

This may be sound a little or maybe even a lot selfish. We always worried about my hard headed/head strong mother driving at age 93, but I wasn't willing to pull her off the road because I would have become Jack's Taxi service. But for the Grace of God she decided at 93 plus that she should no longer have a car or a license. 3 days after giving it all up she passed away.

That lady that hit and run should know better. Makes we wonder whether she was under the influence of something when she got out looked and took off?

[dadoiron]

Unfortunately, Florida law only allows a maximum of 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

She likely will not serve time as the powers that be will not want the taxpayer to take on her elderly care. I think rightly so but definitely take her DL away.

[FutureFloridian]

Some dealerships actually DO handle body work. My husband's BMW is currently in a dealership's body shop, awaiting repairs from being rear-ended by an idiot who was TEXTING while driving.

[FutureFloridian]

Dealerships do not do body work. There are plenty of body shops nearby. She was definitely trying to avoid prosecution.

Some dealerships actually DO handle body work. My husband's BMW is currently in a dealership's body shop, awaiting repairs from being rear-ended by an idiot who was TEXTING while driving and didn't see that we were stopped.

Using a dealership for repair work, especially on imports, is often advisable, and was recommended by our insurance company.

[Rosebud1949]

Someone must know who the other driver was earlier this week. How would you feel if it was your relative who was mowed down

[Buck Slade]

Anyone can cause or be involved in an accident. How they handle the circumstances following the accident makes all of the difference.
The vehicle driver should have stopped, turned on her hazard blinkers and exited the Mercedes to check if there were injuries. Observing obvious injuries; she should have immediately called 911 while simultaneously guarding the victims from other approaching traffic and enlisting the aid of the first individuals that stopped. The Villages is rife with highly qualified ex police, military, various medical personnel, EMTs and just very compassionate and competent citizens that would help until “first responders” arrived to take charge.
The driver should then immediately contact her insurance company and give them her side of the accident. They would advise her to not make a statement of guilt but be compassionate and cooperative with the police in the initial investigation and do all that she could to mitigate any additional damage to people and property.
The insurance company realizing a very real possibility of serious civil liability would send representatives to advise the driver, accompany her to any police or other interview, etc. depending upon the circumstances; they could send a representative (including lawyers) to the hospital. They would insure that the victims were receiving proper medical attention (especially if the victims lacked proper coverage or funds) and most importantly expressing compassion for the victims, without expressing guilt.

Any competent defense lawyer could argue with a prosecutor or jury that this 89 year old woman had an adverse reaction to a medication (how many 89 year olds do you know that don’t take some medication?) or was momentarily distracted for a variety of reasons. The odds are that she hadn’t been drinking about 11 in the morning. That she was a great-Grandmother that had lost her husband and was a loving person and may not have had other accidents (at this time; we don’t know details of her situation).
She is devastated by the accident and the injuries that she may be responsible for and it has ruined her life for what little time she has left.

She wouldn’t spend one day in jail but would probably lose her driving privileges, maybe permanently. Her insurance company would settle for a substantial amount to the victims. People would have sympathy for her, both neighbors and a jury.
Most importantly; after a time; she could look in the mirror and see a person that she could live with.

She threw all of that away ! When she callously drove away leaving victims seriously injured and maybe dying in the street; she became a criminal (felony # 1. Hit and run).
Attempting to have the damage resulting from the “incident” repaired to “cover up” the first felony results in (felony # 2. Hiding or altering evidence involved in a crime).

Because of her age, (unknown personal mental & physical health), Covid-19, etc, it is highly unlikely that she would be incarcerated. More likely to lose her driving privileges, be placed on probation with certain limitations and face a very large civil law suit.
She had plenty of time to recover from the initial shock, panic, guilt, confusion and do the “right thing”. Her refusal with multiple opportunities casts doubt in the minds of most as to her “character” and she will pay dearly for that.

Our parents taught us that all of us are fallible and can make a mistake. However, as soon as possible, man or woman up, take responsibility, be contrite and take your appropriate medicine if that is required. You will be better off in the long run, by far.
( my apologies for the length but I think that it is an important subject and I have made plenty of mistakes in my 82 years but I own them)

[PugMom]

And then, with her cognitive impairment, arranged for the car to be repaired in Gainesville and furthermore dyed her hair brown????????

no, i hear ya, it's crossed many minds, & that hair dye thing stands out, too. it's a very valid point

[DAVES]

And then, with her cognitive impairment, arranged for the car to be repaired in Gainesville and furthermore dyed her hair brown????????

Not an excuse or a judgment. Unfortunately my grandmother had severe Alzheimer's.
She lasted over 10 years with it. My mom refused to put her mother in a home and so she lived with us. From sad memories. At times she seemed, was perfectly normal. At other times, I do not want to go into details but I hope it never happens to you, yours or anyone you know. Her other children, they too have died of old age but I cannot forget they mostly claimed to be too busy when my mother needed help caring for also their mother.
mAY IT NEVER HAPPEN TO YOU AND YOURS.

[Gulfcoast]

Her “children”? You mean the ones that are in their 60s or 70s?

I'm in my 50's and my 85 year old mom recently decided to stop driving - perfectly clean driving record, good auto insurance, she just felt that her reflexes weren't what they used to be. She now either uses the free shuttle at her Independent Living residence or I drive her places.

Hearing about this horrible accident makes me grateful that my mom decided to stop driving well before she became an unsafe driver.

[Mrprez]

I'm in my 50's and my 85 year old mom recently decided to stop driving - perfectly clean driving record, good auto insurance, she just felt that her reflexes weren't what they used to be. She now either uses the free shuttle at her Independent Living residence or I drive her places.

Hearing about this horrible accident makes me grateful that my mom decided to stop driving well before she became an unsafe driver.

Mine was 87 when she passed away. She still drove to the store which was in the neighborhood. I would like to think that she would have called it when she was ready.

My FIL was a total hazard and the kids decided to give the car to the youngest. No more driving for him.

[Gulfcoast]

Mine was 87 when she passed away. She still drove to the store which was in the neighborhood. I would like to think that she would have called it when she was ready.

My FIL was a total hazard and the kids decided to give the car to the youngest. No more driving for him.

My mom was driving to/from the store, the bank and doctors appts. She probably could have driven safely for at least a few more years but she had seen one too many of her friends get into accidents. She decided to stop driving before she had to stop driving. In her case, the shuttle service in her community makes living w/o a car more doable.

[Kilmacowen]

Someone must know who the other driver was earlier this week. How would you feel if it was your relative who was mowed down

They got the plate number and car was a jaguar. I'm sure the police have apprehended the driver by now.

[Gulfcoast]

And then, with her cognitive impairment, arranged for the car to be repaired in Gainesville and furthermore dyed her hair brown????????

Yeah, this doesn't sound like dementia to me. There's too much complex planning involved in the cover up.

Hopefully, she has family members who will step up for her. I would imagine that there will be some serious legal issues to contend with.

[Gulfcoast]

They got the plate number and car was a jaguar. I'm sure the police have apprehended the driver by now.

I'm surprised that there has been no mention of an arrest.

[larcha]

In most states leaving the scene of an accident is a felony.

[graciegirl]

And then, with her cognitive impairment, arranged for the car to be repaired in Gainesville and furthermore dyed her hair brown????????

There was an ad, a very misleading one that showed a lady with white hair, just underneath the story on the hit and run. I think we all assumed the picture was of the woman who left the scene. Go back and look at the whole thing again closely. There was no film of a woman relating to the hit and run, it was another issue on the elderly that the photographs were of.

[Westie Man]

or Bonnie Parker ?

[sjd7767]

As far as I've read, no report stated she took the car to the Mercedes dealership. However, out of curiosity I called Mercedes-Benz of Gainesville and was told they DO NOT have a paint and body shop nor do they do paint and/or body repair. So she took it to somewhere else in Gainesville. Gainesville is roughly 65 miles away. Quick search reveals at least ten local auto body repair shops within 5 or so miles of TV. Read into that as you wish.

Either way, my thoughts and prayers go out to the injured party.

[patfla06]

Remember, witnesses said she had white hair. She colored her hair.
A clear example of trying to get away with what she did.

[retiredguy123]

As far as I've read, no report stated she took the car to the Mercedes dealership. However, out of curiosity I called Mercedes-Benz of Gainesville and was told they DO NOT have a paint and body shop nor do they do paint and/or body repair. So she took it to somewhere else in Gainesville. Gainesville is roughly 65 miles away. Quick search reveals at least ten local auto body repair shops within 5 or so miles of TV. Read into that as you wish.

Either way, my thoughts and prayers go out to the injured party.
Based on your post, your conclusion that she took the car somewhere else in Gainesville may not be accurate either. Even though the Mercedes dealer doesn't have a body shop doesn't mean that she didn't take the car there and the dealer hired out the body work to a nearby repair shop.

[Marathon Man]

As far as I've read, no report stated she took the car to the Mercedes dealership. However, out of curiosity I called Mercedes-Benz of Gainesville and was told they DO NOT have a paint and body shop nor do they do paint and/or body repair. So she took it to somewhere else in Gainesville. Gainesville is roughly 65 miles away. Quick search reveals at least ten local auto body repair shops within 5 or so miles of TV. Read into that as you wish.

Either way, my thoughts and prayers go out to the injured party.

That an 89 yo woman assumes that you take a car to the dealer to get any type of repair down.

She no longer has white hair, and her damaged car was taken many miles away. That's a pretty damning story. No need to over think.

[Gulfcoast]

That an 89 yo woman assumes that you take a car to the dealer to get any type of repair down.

She no longer has white hair, and her damaged car was taken many miles away. That's a pretty damning story. No need to over think.

Witnesses at the accident scene also say that she stopped and got out of her car briefly before driving away.

[sjd7767]

Based on your post, your conclusion that she took the car somewhere else in Gainesville may not be accurate either. Even though the Mercedes dealer doesn't have a body shop doesn't mean that she didn't take the car there and the dealer hired out the body work to a nearby repair shop.

Yeah, you're right. Good point. Like I said, I was just curious.

I still wish and pray all the best for a speedy recovery of the couple.

[lovinganimals]

[QUOTE=camaguey48;1857408]She may or may not have been at fault. However, leaving the scene cancels out that scenario; she probably panicked and left. I suppose her conscience was absent and trying to conceal her shameful action proves it. Hope the bikers recover.[/QUOTe

She may or may not have been at fault?! Are you serious? She hit 2 people with a CAR while they were on bikes. She got out, saw that and returned to the car and left! What is not her fault here?

[Stu from NYC]

Where is she going to go? Should they keep her locked up and come down with COVID? There are lots of other who were let loose on no bail. I certainly don’t condone her actions.

Sorry she got out of her car looked at what she did and ran off. Lock her up and if she gets covid oh well.

If you are going to offer bail it should be much higher. The life of the two people she hurt will never be the same.

[Mrprez]

Sorry she got out of her car looked at what she did and ran off. Lock her up and if she gets covid oh well.

If you are going to offer bail it should be much higher. The life of the two people she hurt will never be the same.

As a bicycle rider myself, who no longer feels safe, I agree with you 100%. I have zero compassion for this woman and she deserves everything that is coming at her. Unfortunately, at her age, justice may not be served in this case.

[big guy]

My mom voluntarily turned in her driver's license when she turned 90, even though she was driven around by her sons, even though she lives alone. My dad did not, and I would not let him drive me anywhere, and would tell him he was dangerous. He rear ended a car making a left turn as he didn't see it. My mom, the doctors took his license away. Its very difficult when one lives alone to give up driving, however, there is no excuse for leaving the scene. . .

I think the judge was too lenient with the $10,000 bail bond, because accidents will happen, but leaving the scene is a character flaw for taking responsibility.

My mother told me in her 70s that she would tell me when she was ready to give up driving. She went on a trip to Pittsburgh from Cleveland ( 2 hrs) to my brother's. She had taken many trips cross country in her 70s with no problem. She had driven her 27 ft motorhome cross country towing a car in her 60s without problem. When she returned from Pittsburgh, she handed me her keys. I asked her what happened, to which she replied, "Nothing, but I want to quit driving before something does happen". She looked exhausted and I think she didn't have a particularly good visit with my brother but I took her keys. I thought she would change her mind but she did not. She was 80. I had to drive her everywhere but that was OK with me. We all would have been devastated if she hit someone. She made it easy on us but turning her keys in. There was never a dent on her car which was a good indication that she had never hit anyone. I think 89 is too old to be driving, especially with all the walkers, bikers, trucks, roundabouts and confusing traffic conditions here.

[Mrprez]

We went to Orlando the other day to do some shopping and have a nice lunch at PF Chang’s. I was ready to hand over my keys after we returned home. I’ve never seen so many bad drivers in one place!

[camaguey48]

[QUOTE=camaguey48;1857408]She may or may not have been at fault. However, leaving the scene cancels out that scenario; she probably panicked and left. I suppose her conscience was absent and trying to conceal her shameful action proves it. Hope the bikers recover.[/QUOTe

She may or may not have been at fault?! Are you serious? She hit 2 people with a CAR while they were on bikes. She got out, saw that and returned to the car and left! What is not her fault here?
I do not believe you read my whole post, sir or madam. Perhaps the cyclists veered into the car. Perhaps!!! Some cyclists ignore traffic laws such as running stop signs and traffic lights, passing between vehicles. It happens more often than you or I think. I'll state this again, sir or madam: She left the scene without rendering aid or calling the police. That action completely negates any opportunity to defend herself. Her deception by covering it up suggests someone was helping her. Perhaps!!! At 89 years of age, perhaps (there's that word again) she should not be driving.

[Bay Kid]

Sorry she got out of her car looked at what she did and ran off. Lock her up and if she gets covid oh well.

If you are going to offer bail it should be much higher. The life of the two people she hurt will never be the same.

She is cooked.

[davem4616]

Hopefully the 2 bikers will both recover and be able to lead normal lives

The driver of the car was in the wrong to not stop...if nothing else she could have called 911

This is one more example of how important it is to be a defensive driver...the bad drivers are out there.

Yesterday driving back to TV on Rolling Acres Road the car in front of us suddenly jammed on the brakes to stop and look at some young calves that were close to the road...then the driver realized he had a car in back of him....duh?

For some time now I've questioned the wisdom of allowing folks of any age renew their drivers license online...it would seem logical that at some age, be it 80 or whatever we seniors should have to retake a road test

I've heard all the complaints of 'taking peoples lives away when you take their license away' and they need a form of identification...driving a car is not 'a right' if they are a danger to others

My wife is on meds that her doctor has told her prohibit her from driving....so she doesn't. What is a concern though is that if that's the case, why isn't the medical profession obligated to inform the registry of motor vehicles that she is taking these meds? The registry could easily revoke the license and issue her a state ID card. If she gets off the meds and chooses to drive again, she could retake the road test.

[VApeople]

it would seem logical that at some age, be it 80 or whatever we seniors should have to retake a road test.

In the good ole days, that is how it used to be in Florida. Everyone had to retake a road test every couple years.

When I was at Univ of Florida in the free-spirited 1960's, everyone had to go to the Highway Patrol to be re-tested. Basically, it was a test of our hearing and vision and our ability move around. Of course, in my early twenties, it was very easy.

I thought the test was wonderful because it let the Highway Patrol identify people who should not be operating a car. I have no idea why these tests were discontinued.

[Madelaine Amee]

In most states leaving the scene of an accident is a felony.

I live here because I love much about Florida, but I dislike their arcane laws geared to appeasing the elderly ..................

Most States, unfortunately Florida is not Most States. Florida has for years and years courted and coddled the elderly population and made their lives very comfortable ..... why, because of MONEY/ The Florida we live in now is very different from the Florida in years past. Florida is now a high tech State with excellent Universities and medical facilities. Young people can live here and work anywhere in the world due to technology, but many of our laws are still geared to the aged.

I know for a fact that your optician can no longer report your loss of sight to the Registry of Motor Vehicles. So you are out there traveling with people who have no right to be on the road because they cannot see. However, when they need to renew their license the loss of vision will be picked up during the eye test. Vision Requirements | Florida Tax Collector serving Sarasota County - Barbara Ford-Coates (https://www.sarasotataxcollector.com/services/motorist-services/drivers-license/medical-vision)

[Gulfcoast]

This 89 year old woman is likely living alone or perhaps with an equally elderly spouse who she might even be a caregiver to. I don't know her story, I've just seen situations like this. She lives in a car dependent area and she needs to be able to get to the store/doctor's appts, etc. So she continues to drive beyond the point of safety. The idea of moving is overwhelming to people at this age - preparing a house for sale, packing up belongs, arranging movers, driving around and visiting multiple Independent or Assisted Living places is too much for them to handle alone, they are also concerned about being able to stay with a spouse in failing health. So they stay in their familiar environment and continue to drive even as their own vision, mobility, reflexes and mental sharpness decline. Maybe concerned family members have tried to convince her to move and she has been stubborn about staying in her home. Again, I don't know her story but I've seen similar situations.

[retiredguy123]

This 89 year old woman is likely living alone or perhaps with an equally elderly spouse who she might even be a caregiver to. I don't know her story, I've just seen situations like this. She lives in a car dependent area and she needs to be able to get to the store/doctor's appts, etc. So she continues to drive beyond the point of safety. The idea of moving is overwhelming to people at this age - preparing a house for sale, packing up belongs, arranging movers, driving around and visiting multiple Independent or Assisted Living places is too much for them to handle alone, they are also concerned about being able to stay with a spouse in failing health. So they stay in their familiar environment and continue to drive even as their own vision, mobility, reflexes and mental sharpness decline. Maybe concerned family members have tried to convince her to move and she has been stubborn about staying in her home. Again, I don't know her story but I've seen similar situations.
Yes, The Villages is a car dependent area which is a problem even for younger healthy people who live alone. I think one of the most serious deficiencies here is a lack of transportation. If you have a medical issue, your car won't start, or you have an appointment that requires someone else to give you a ride, you may not have any viable options. Sometimes, calling 911 is the only option you have. I think this contributes to some people driving long after they should and results in more accidents. Where I lived up north, I could call a taxi and have it at my house within 15 minutes.

[Stu from NYC]

Yes, The Villages is a car dependent area which is a problem even for younger healthy people who live alone. I think one of the most serious deficiencies here is a lack of transportation. If you have a medical issue, your car won't start, or you have an appointment that requires someone else to give you a ride, you may not have any viable options. Sometimes, calling 911 is the only option you have. I think this contributes to some people driving long after they should and results in more accidents. Where I lived up north, I could call a taxi and have it at my house within 15 minutes.

One would think that there would be a strong demand for taxi's or other ride options.

Irregardless of this the woman should pay for her actions to the full extent of the law.

[Gulfcoast]

One would think that there would be a strong demand for taxi's or other ride options.

Irregardless of this the woman should pay for her actions to the full extent of the law.

I agree that she should be held accountable. While I can certainly sympathize that accidents can and do happen, this business of fleeing the scene and then attempting a cover up is really terrible. I don't know this woman or why she made such terrible decisions. Being elderly doesn't automatically make you a moral person.

[Luger1988]

They both knew what they did and they both tried to cover it up. Hope they get their asses sued all the way to the poor farm.

[Stu from NYC]

They both knew what they did and they both tried to cover it up. Hope they get their asses sued all the way to the poor farm.

At her age might be dead and buried before the case comes to trial.

[EdFNJ]

Deservedly they will take her DL away and hand her the keys to a new golf cart.
I'm sure you are being amusing. I drive car, golf cart and ride a bike. In a golf cart?
She will be any safer for those around her? Likely she will then be uninsured.
To most truly important issues there are no simple and painless answers. Quite obviously you missed the sarcasm and irony in my post.

[NoMoSno]

They both knew what they did and they both tried to cover it up. Hope they get their asses sued all the way to the poor farm.
She is a widow.

[PennBF]

You can't make it up! Not one person placing comments in this string of "hang her high" has the total facts. One rule of good management, which most of you have failed is to make sure you have all of the facts before rendering a decision! NONE OF YOU DO!. Without all the facts some want her to go to jail for life, some want all residents over the age of ??? to be retested to drive a car, some don't care about facts just want her put away, some have already reached the conclusion she dyed her hair drove to Gainesville and was having her car repaired at a dealer who doesn't even do body work, I could go on but you get the picture. The only real facts are 1.Assuming good witness's, she was driving the car, 2. She got out of the car 3.Drove off from the accident. 4.She may be 89? Does she have a serious mental problem. possible Age or Medically driven? Was she in a state of panic, (not that would excuse the actions but would be a possible cause of her actions?), Does she have a vision problem that may have contributed to the accident? did the bikers or bikes have lights, were either she or the bikers veering in and out of the lanes? Before all the naysayer's jump out of their chairs to dispute anything please make sure you have
solid facts to back your assertions. In no way would I excuse a person from such a terrible accident BUT I sure would want the facts before I hung them and also add any other person over the age of ??? from driving!

[Stu from NYC]

You can't make it up! Not one person placing comments in this string of "hang her high" has the total facts. One rule of good management, which most of you have failed is to make sure you have all of the facts before rendering a decision! NONE OF YOU DO!. Without all the facts some want her to go to jail for life, some want all residents over the age of ??? to be retested to drive a car, some don't care about facts just want her put away, some have already reached the conclusion she dyed her hair drove to Gainesville and was having her car repaired at a dealer who doesn't even do body work, I could go on but you get the picture. The only real facts are 1.Assuming good witness's, she was driving the car, 2. She got out of the car 3.Drove off from the accident. 4.She may be 89? Does she have a serious mental problem. possible Age or Medically driven? Was she in a state of panic, (not that would excuse the actions but would be a possible cause of her actions?), Does she have a vision problem that may have contributed to the accident? did the bikers or bikes have lights, were either she or the bikers veering in and out of the lanes? Before all the naysayer's jump out of their chairs to dispute anything please make sure you have
solid facts to back your assertions. In no way would I excuse a person from such a terrible accident BUT I sure would want the facts before I hung them and also add any other person over the age of ??? from driving!

Welcome to TTOV where we do not always let all the facts get in our way.

From the facts available to me it sure appears she did a horrible thing. Assuming the accident was not totally her fault, her driving away and not looking to render assistance makes her guilty of all kinds of things.

[patfla06]

:ohdear: