39-year old Jessica Crane of Cape Coral is accused of three counts of failure to remain at the scene of an accident causing serious injuries when the car she was driving struck three pedestrians, a mother and her two daughters at a Broward County bus stop located at South University Drive, near Pembroke Road. The suspect was apprehended after eyewitnesses called 911 having recorded the license plate number of the car, an Infinity sedan, that caused the accident. The pedestrians that were struck and injured are Michelle James, 37, and her two children ages 5 and 3. Miss James was admitted to a Memorial Regional hospital in Hollywood with critical injuries while the injuries to her children do not appear at this time to be life-threatening. Blood samples have been taken from Crane and are under examination for potential usage of drug and alcohol. Crane was released from jail on a $40,000 bond.
In a twist, Crane claims that she didn’t hit the three pedestrians, but that the pedestrians hit her. According to the Sun-Sentinel.com Crane told police officers, “these (expletive) Cubans are trying to get free money from me and a free ride to the hospital” and said she didn’t hit the family, but that the people hit her. She also said “these (expletive) Cubans are lying,” according to a police report. The injured woman, Michelle James, 37, is from Jamaica, Miramar police spokeswoman Tania Rues said.”
Under Florida law, failure to remain at the scene of an accident that caused physical injuries is a felony in the third degree and carries penalties of up to 5 years in prison or probation and a $5000 fine. The attitude that Ms. Crane has displayed towards the innocent pedestrians and to minorities in general in the case will do her no good and demonstrates her malice towards those she struck with her vehicle.
If you have been injured in a Broward County pedestrian/motor vehicle accident, call the Maus Law Firm today for a free consultation.