St. Petersburg, FL – An 85-year-old Florida man has been arrested after allegedly running over a 91-year-old woman in a grocery store parking lot, knowing he had hit “something,” and driving home without stopping, according to police.
The victim, identified as Mary Broughton, later died of her injuries.
The Incident: Fatal Hit-and-Run Outside Publix
The tragic crash occurred around 5 p.m. on Friday in the Publix parking lot in St. Petersburg. According to the St. Petersburg Police Department, Darrell Briggs, 85, was driving through the lot when he struck Broughton as she walked through the area.
Witnesses reported that Briggs did not stop after the impact and instead continued driving out of the parking lot, leaving the scene.
Broughton was transported to a local hospital but succumbed to her injuries shortly after arrival.
Police said surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts helped them identify the suspect’s vehicle, leading officers to Briggs’s apartment a short time later.
Investigation and Arrest
When police located Briggs at his residence, they found the vehicle matching the description seen leaving the scene. During questioning, Briggs admitted to knowing he had hit “something” but claimed he was unsure what it was.
According to the police report, Briggs told investigators he “felt the collision” in the parking lot but chose to drive home instead of stopping.
Briggs was subsequently arrested and charged with leaving the scene of a crash involving death, a felony offense under Florida law.
He was booked into the Pinellas County Jail and later released after posting $50,000 bond on Sunday. Authorities said his next court date has not yet been scheduled.
Legal Implications and Charges Filed
Under Florida Statute 316.027, leaving the scene of a crash involving death is punishable by up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. The law requires drivers involved in accidents resulting in injury or death to immediately stop and render aid.
Police confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing, including a review of video evidence and witness interviews.
“This was a tragic and preventable incident,” a spokesperson for the St. Petersburg Police Department said. “Elderly drivers are expected to meet the same standards of care and responsibility as any motorist on the road.”
Investigators are also working with the Pinellas-Pasco State Attorney’s Office to determine whether additional charges may be warranted.
Community and Safety Concerns
The death of Mary Broughton has reignited concerns about elderly driver safety in Florida, a state with one of the highest numbers of licensed senior drivers in the nation.
Experts note that while many seniors drive safely, age-related declines in vision, reflexes, and spatial awareness can increase risks in crowded areas like parking lots.
Organizations such as AAA and AARP have called for regular driving assessments for seniors, especially those over 80, to ensure they can still safely operate vehicles.
Ongoing Developments
Police have urged anyone who witnessed the crash or has footage from the Publix parking lot to come forward. The investigation remains active as detectives reconstruct the events leading up to the collision.
Authorities say Briggs has no prior criminal record, and his driver’s license status is under review by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
Conclusion
As the investigation continues, Mary Broughton’s death stands as a somber reminder of the dangers posed by hit-and-run incidents. Briggs, now facing a serious felony charge, could spend the rest of his life in prison if convicted.
What are your thoughts on this case and elderly driver accountability? Share your opinions in the comments below.
