A woman in Florida has been arrested following an incident where she allegedly hit a pedestrian and fled the scene, later downplaying the situation by referring to the victim as “just a homeless person.”
Legal documents reveal that Ivana Gomez, 32, is charged with fleeing the scene of a fatal accident and resisting law enforcement without the use of force. She is currently held at the Miami-Dade County jail with a bond set at $251,500.
According to a probable cause arrest affidavit, local news sources indicate that the incident took place at approximately 1:15 a.m. on Friday in the Little Havana area of Miami. A 41-year-old woman named Katherine Kipnis has been identified as the victim. During a bond hearing on Saturday, prosecutors described the incident involving Gomez’s BMW, stating “hit the victim so hard that the victim’s head went into the vehicle, through the windshield, and some of the victim’s hair got caught on the passenger’s seat belt.”
A police officer observed the accident and attempted to halt Gomez, but she reportedly did not comply, according to the affidavit. It is reported that she continued to drive until traffic began to impede her progress. Upon reaching her, the officer detected the scent of alcohol on her breath and observed her bloodshot eyes. The affidavit allegedly indicated that there was also vomit in the passenger seat.
She refused to undergo a sobriety test and asked to consult with a lawyer.
During the bond hearing, the judge is said to have highlighted that Gomez purportedly remarked it was “just a homeless person that I hit” and “it’s just an accident.”
Gomez refuted the claim of having made the statement.
“Your Honor, I never said that,” she reportedly said. “I did not say that whatsoever. That’s false.”
During the hearing, Kipnis’ cousin took the stand.
“I just want Your Honor to be aware of what a shining light has been taken out of this world by the incredible irresponsibility of this defendant,” Rachel Kipnis said.
On Friday, the father of the victim shared his thoughts with the local ABC affiliate WPLG.
“My daughter was vivacious, lovable. Everyone really liked her. She was tough, but in a good way,” he told the outlet. “I just think back, I spoke to her last night at 6 o’clock when she told me, ‘I love you, Dad.’ That’s the last thing she said to me.”
Authorities indicate that Gomez may encounter more serious allegations, potentially including vehicular homicide, as the investigation continues.
