Ramona Jakeline Figueroa López was accused of running over cyclist Salvatore Gómez and leaving him seriously injured when he was running a triathlon on Long Island (NY).
Figueroa López, 29, had a previous arrest for driving while intoxicated in July 2021 and had an interlock device in his car that was not operational. On Friday she was charged for the new accident that happened on Sunday August 6 on a race track in Shirley, suffolk county.
The woman works in a bar and faces charges of reckless driving, aggravated operation of a vehicle without a license and without using a court-ordered locking device, reported ABC News.
Prosecutors say Figueroa Lopez was trying to get out of a parking lot while the area was closed for the Smith Point Triathlon. That’s when it seems entered the race course at high speed and struck the triathlete during the section of the bicycle competition.
The 43-year-old athlete and father of two children was taken to hospital with serious injuries., including brain injury. His wife Jill Gomez said that in addition to spinal fractures and broken bones, his mind doesn’t work and he doesn’t have much memory.
Figueroa López’s attorney said he doesn’t know if the narrative given by prosecutors is accurate. “All I can tell you is that it was an accident and she is very sorry for the injuries; our thoughts and prayers are with the family,” said advocate Michael Brown.
Gomez’s supporters, many of them running mates, attended the court hearing Friday to seek answers and criticized that Figueroa López has been released on parole by appointment to return to court on September 22.
“This woman beats him (Gómez), works in a bar, was convicted of DWI (driving under the influence) and was released and will return to work,” protested Julie Michels.
All charges are mere accusations and those charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
The New York authorities remind that there is zero tolerance for drivers who drive speeding and/or under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
