A Venezuelan Amazon delivery driver struck a mother and infant and fled the scene, prompting calls for increased accountability and stricter regulations.
At a Glance
- A Venezuelan Amazon driver hit a Florida mom and her baby, causing severe injuries.
- The incident took place in the Ives Estates community near Miami.
- The driver, Sarahy Parra-Ovalles, fled the scene after briefly stopping.
- Authorities have arrested Parra-Ovalles, and she faces serious charges.
Incident Details
In a shocking and tragic event, Sarahy Parra-Ovalles, a Venezuelan migrant driving for Amazon, struck a mother pushing her 4-month-old infant in a stroller, severely injuring the mother and causing the baby to be thrown into the street. This heart-wrenching incident occurred in the Ives Estates community outside Miami.
Parra-Ovalles briefly stopped to prop the stroller up again and place the baby back in the seat before fleeing the scene. The mother suffered catastrophic injuries including a brain injury, a broken skull, and a brain bleed; the baby had a forehead laceration. Parra-Ovalles was later arrested on charges of leaving the scene of a crash with serious bodily injury and without serious bodily injury but was released on bond. The outrage in the community has been palpable.
Venezuelan Migrant Driving For Amazon Hits Mother And 4 Month Old Child, Flees The Scene https://t.co/jzLLmsEZj8
— zerohedge (@zerohedge) August 28, 2024
Legal Repercussions
Further investigation revealed that Parra-Ovalles entered the U.S. on a tourist visa in 2019, which expired in 2021, before she was granted Temporary Protected Status, allowing her to apply for a work permit. She is no longer delivering for Amazon. The lawyer representing the family, Judd Rosen, has expressed outrage that she was released so quickly. He plans to bring Parra-Ovalles’ driving record, which includes two prior infractions, into future lawsuits against Amazon.
“This is a terrible incident and our thoughts are with this family. We’re looking into the matter and will support law enforcement as they investigate,” – Amazon spokesperson
The delivery and rideshare companies’ safety standards are under scrutiny. Rosen criticized companies like Amazon and Uber for compromising safety to speed up deliveries. Surveillance video captured the crash and showed Parra Ovalles making deliveries in a 2022 Hyundai SUV. Authorities noted she admitted to seeing the victims but denied the accident when shown the video.
Community Response
The community demands accountability and stricter regulations for delivery service drivers to prevent such events. The Biden administration’s grant of Temporary Protected Status to Venezuelan nationals in 2021, allowing them to work in the U.S., is also under further examination. Families and local leaders emphasize that such incidents highlight the vulnerabilities within current regulatory frameworks and call for immediate action to ensure safety and accountability.
As the legal proceedings continue, the focus remains on supporting the affected family and ensuring that justice is served. No amount of compensation can alleviate the trauma and suffering experienced by the victims, underscoring the need for preventive measures to avoid future tragedies.
