A Florida woman, Rebekah Mackenzie Tate, 23, has been arrested for leaving the scene of a hit-and-run accident that left a 34-year-old motorcyclist critically injured. According to police, Tate allegedly struck the motorcyclist so hard that his helmet flew off, leaving him lying motionless in the roadway.
A horrific hit-and-run accident in West Melbourne, Florida, has left a 34-year-old motorcyclist fighting for his life while the driver responsible has been arrested.
Motorcyclist Hit and Left for Dead in West Melbourne; Driver Arrested
Rebekah Mackenzie Tate, 23, has been charged with leaving the scene of a crash with great bodily harm and tampering with evidence. According to the West Melbourne Police Department, Tate allegedly struck the motorcyclist so hard that his helmet flew off, sending him crashing into the roadway.
Witnesses reported that Tate then drove away, leaving the injured motorcyclist lying in the middle of the road. Surveillance footage captured Tate as she returned to her vehicle and attempted to remove the motorcycle, which had become lodged under her car, before fleeing the scene.
Motorcyclist Hit and Left for Dead in West Melbourne; Driver Arrested
The victim, identified as John Powell, was rushed to a local hospital in critical condition. He reportedly sustained multiple injuries, including broken legs and rib fractures. Powell's condition has since stabilized, but it remains unclear when he will be released from the hospital.
The hit-and-run has sparked outrage in the community. Friends and family of Powell have expressed their anger and disbelief that Tate would leave him to die.
Motorcyclist Hit and Left for Dead in West Melbourne; Driver Arrested
"She left him to die. Like how could you?" Powell's friend Leah Lindstrand told FOX 35. "Essentially both of his legs don't work. He's got one big fracture on the left leg, another on the right leg. I know he's got rib fractures. It broke my heart to see him like that."
Billy LeBlanc, a DoorDash driver who came across Powell lying in the road after the accident, said he was horrified by what he saw.
Motorcyclist Hit and Left for Dead in West Melbourne; Driver Arrested
"I wouldn't wish that on anybody, but I'm glad I was there because I was able to help him," LeBlanc told FOX 35. "I'm glad he's alive. I'm glad he's – he's a strong guy, obviously, because she hit him hard."
Tate was arrested on Wednesday and booked into the Brevard County Jail on a $17,500 bond. She was released on Friday while awaiting trial.
Tate pleaded not guilty to the charges on Thursday. She is scheduled to return to court on October 1.
If convicted, Tate could face significant penalties, including imprisonment and a permanent criminal record. The severity of her sentence will depend on the severity of Powell's injuries and her criminal history.
The West Melbourne Police Department is continuing to investigate the accident. It is unclear at this time whether there were any aggravating factors that contributed to Tate's decision to leave the scene.
The hit-and-run has left Powell and his family with lasting physical and emotional trauma. The community is hopeful that the legal process will bring justice and closure to all those affected by this senseless act.
