OCALA, Fla. – A 43-year-old woman faces charges after she was accused of hitting and killing a bicyclist with her vehicle while driving drunk, according to Ocala police.
Police said they responded to the 3100 block of NW Blitchton Road around 6:35 p.m. in reference to a traffic fatality involving a vehicle and a bicyclist.
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The bicyclist – later identified as 61-year-old Louis Osiel – was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.
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According to a news release, Elizabeth Pizzonia is accused of driving the vehicle that struck and killed Osiel. Police said Pizzonia initially left the scene of the crash but returned a short time later.
Officers reported that Pizzonia appeared impaired with bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and had the smell of alcohol on her breath.
Police said she showed signs of impairment on field sobriety tests that included “swaying, stopping movements, and incorrect maneuvers.”
Pizzonia failed several sobriety tests, according to the release. She also refused a voluntary blood sample and later refused the required breath test.
She was placed under arrest and faces charges of DUI manslaughter and leaving the scene of a crash with a death, Ocala police said.
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