MIAMI BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - Police arrested a 40-year-old woman involved in a hit-and-run that injured two teenagers in Miami Beach.
Carolina Celeste Araya Ortiz surrendered herself to authorities at the Miami Beach Police Department on Monday, at approximately 10:43 p.m., just after 7News aired a story about Mili Retamoza and Calvin Thomas speaking out about the incident.
When she turned herself into police, Ortiz told police that after the accident she panicked and drove off. She also said she felt for the teenager she struck, “especially for the boy that was on the ground and saw the other kids carrying him.”
7News cameras captured Araya Ortiz as she left the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center after she posted bond.
According to the police report, she was traveling northbound on Pine Tree Drive on Friday, passing the intersection of 26 Street, and intending to proceed northbound on Sheridan Avenue when the collision occurred. Araya Ortiz had a solid green traffic light when her vehicle struck the two young victims attempting to cross Sheridan Ave and Pine Tree Drive.
The impact launched the victims approximately 20 feet forward, causing severe injuries. Police said, Araya Ortiz exited her vehicle and briefly interacted with the victims and two juvenile witnesses before fleeing the scene northbound on Sheridan Avenue. The report stated she failed to render aid or contact 911.
“I thought I died for a couple moments,” said Thomas in Monday’s interview. “I went face first into the pavement and I flipped and rolled down the road.”
Retamoza suffered a road rash and abrasions while Thomas had a laceration to his head and a significant leg injury requiring three surgeries. They were transported to the Ryder Trauma Unit by Miami Beach Fire Rescue.
Nicolette Kusich, who was in the group when the incident occurred, said she was a few feet behind Retamoza and described what she saw.
“They were in front of us, they were next to each other,” she recalled. “The car came, as soon as the light turned green she came speeding out of nowhere, hit both of them. [Mili] rolled over the hood.”
Now, Thomas and his mother have a message for Araya Ortiz as he faces a long recovery and her prosecution.
“Everyone should know there is a consequence to your actions,” Sonia Thomas said.
“Always try to find a place in your heart to forgive because forgiveness is always a part of healing as well,” Calvin said.
Thomas is currently bedridden but his face and leg are healing.
“My eyebrow is starting to heal faster, my leg is still partially open, the stitches are loose, so I’m just trying to take that easy so the stitches don’t break,” Thomas said.
Thomas is a sophomore at Miami Beach Senior High and is hoping to recovery quickly so that he won’t fall behind on his school work.
The families of the victims set up a GoFundMe for both of the teens to assist with their medical expenses. If you’d like to donate, click here.
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