Miami, Florida – An 82-year-old woman has spoken publicly after being accused of striking a 7-year-old boy with her vehicle and leaving the scene, an incident that left the child hospitalized in critical condition and sparked outrage within the community.
The crash occurred on January 10 in the 8200 block of Southwest 32nd Street, according to police. Authorities say the child was riding an electric scooter with his mother nearby when he was hit by a passing car that failed to stop.
Incident Overview
The boy’s mother, who requested anonymity, said she and her son were outside together when the crash happened. According to her account, a vehicle drove through the area and struck the child before continuing down the street without stopping to render aid or call for help.
“Had I not been outside, I probably would’ve found him dead or something,” the mother said.
“I don’t understand how someone can hit a child and not stop.”
Emergency responders rushed the child to Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, where doctors confirmed he had suffered multiple life-threatening injuries.
Timeline of Events
Police records state that shortly after the crash, officers responded to a call from the child’s mother. Upon arrival, they reportedly found debris from the suspect vehicle scattered across the roadway, including fragments of a broken front bumper.
Investigators later identified the car as a silver Toyota Camry allegedly driven by Karina Pubchara-Martinez, age 82. She was later taken into custody and appeared in bond court on Tuesday, where a judge ordered her not to drive.
Details From Police and Court Records
According to the arrest report, Pubchara-Martinez admitted she was operating the vehicle at the time of the crash and acknowledged that she did not report the incident to authorities.
The court appearance raised further concern after the accused appeared in a wheelchair and wearing a straight jacket, prompting questions about her physical and mental condition at the time of the incident.
“She didn’t even go home or call, nothing,” the boy’s mother said.
“She just continued with her life.”
Statement From the Accused Driver
After bonding out of jail, Pubchara-Martinez spoke briefly, saying she had been returning home after visiting her son when the crash occurred. She claimed fear and panic influenced her decision to leave the scene.
“I was passing the jail when they hit me, OK, and then I got afraid because my glasses were on my face and I ran away, and that’s very bad,” she said.
She added that while she was nervous and scared, she now understands her actions were wrong.
“I pray for him, and I’m sorry for what happened,” she said.
However, she also suggested that the mother and child may not have stopped when they should have.
“I was passing through and they didn’t stop when they’re supposed to stop,” she said.
“But I left, so I’m worse.”
Key Facts of the Case
- Victim: 7-year-old boy
- Accused Driver: Karina Pubchara-Martinez, 82
- Date: January 10
- Location: 8200 block of Southwest 32nd Street
- Vehicle: Silver Toyota Camry
- Hospital: Nicklaus Children’s Hospital
- Injuries: Head injury, brain lesion, broken femur
- Court Order: Driver prohibited from driving
Child’s Condition and Ongoing Recovery
Doctors confirmed the child suffered serious bodily injuries, including trauma to the head and brain, as well as a fractured femur that required surgery. While he is now stable, his recovery is expected to be long and uncertain.
“He has a long road ahead of him,” his mother said.
“He can’t do the normal things he does for I don’t know how long. The most important is the head.”
The child will require ongoing neurological monitoring, including MRIs, to assess potential long-term effects of the brain injury.
Family Impact and Community Support
The boy’s mother, a nurse, has stepped away from work to provide full-time care for her son. With medical bills mounting and income reduced, her coworkers organized a donation account to help the family manage expenses during the extended recovery period.
The case has raised broader concerns about driver responsibility, particularly involving elderly motorists, and the importance of remaining at the scene after any crash involving injury.
Conclusion
As the legal process moves forward, the focus remains on the child’s recovery and accountability for the actions taken after the crash. The case highlights the devastating consequences of hit-and-run incidents and the lasting impact they have on victims and their families.
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