A Florida Woman was arrested for hit-and-run after colliding with a motorcycle in West Melbourne, according to police.
Rebekah Mackenzie Tate, 23, allegedly hit a 34-year-old motorcycle so hard early Sunday morning that his helmet flew off, leaving him in the middle of the road.
Tate, who describes herself as a professional ballroom dancer, harpist, and pianist on Instagram, was accused of fleeing a crash causing grave bodily harm and tampering with evidence in a criminal case, according to jail records.
“Instead of remaining on the scene or calling 911, Tate can be seen driving away with the motorcycle still attached to the front of her vehicle,” a West Melbourne Police Department press release stated. She then drove into a parking lot and was captured on security footage attempting to take the motorcycle from beneath her car before being picked up by someone in another car, according to police.
She was brought into Brevard County Jail on Wednesday on a $17,500 bond and released on Friday while awaiting trial.
Tate pleaded not guilty Thursday, according to the New York Post.
A woman identified as the victim’s mother commented on the police department’s Facebook post regarding the arrest.
“I couldn’t care less what her circumstances were,” she told me. “She abandoned my son to die in the middle of the road. She was caught on tape tampering with evidence and attempting to hide. My son was in the intensive care unit, on a ventilator.”
She stated that it could take her son between six months and a year to “walk normally again.” If he ever does. I have no sympathy for this woman, and I hope to see her pay for what she did to my son.”
Billy LeBlanc, a DoorDash driver who discovered the man lying in the road following the accident, told FOX 35 that he assisted the guy until paramedics arrived.
“I wouldn’t wish that on anybody, but I’m glad I was there because I was able to help him,” LeBlanc told the station. “I’m glad they caught her.”
He told WKMG-TV, “I hope anyone would do that if they came across something like that, and I believe the majority would. It’s just awful that someone would leave them there like that. “Stay motionless and do not help them.”
He claimed Tate was “obviously scared” after hitting the victim, but she could have phoned 911.
“I’m glad I was there at the right time, and I was able to help him,” LeBlanc told the crowd. “I’m relieved he’s alive. I’m pleased he’s strong since she hit him hard.”
He told WKMG that he continued asking the victim to “stay strong.” I was just asking him to hang in there. The ambulance is on its way. Just be strong, man. “He is fighting.”
FOX 35 identified the victim as John Powell, according to friends.
Powell’s buddy Leah Lindstrand was astounded.
“She left him to die.” “Like, how could you?” she told Fox 35. “Essentially, both of his legs do not function. He has one large fracture on his left leg and another on his right leg. I know he has rib fractures. It crushed my heart to see him like way, but he’s doing better, which is excellent.”
Powell was discharged from the intensive care unit on Thursday.
Tate’s next court appearance is scheduled for October 1.