A hit-and-run suspect has entered a plea after striking a golf cart driven by an 89-year-old Villager.
Allison Marie Santiago-Zapata, 29, pleaded not guilty this past week in Lake County Court to charges of leaving the scene of an accident and driving while license suspended.
The incident occurred at about 11 a.m. May 26 on Paige Place in the Spanish Springs area. According to an arrest report from the Lady Lake Police Department, the 89-year-old Villager, who lives on the Historic Side of The Villages, was traveling in her golf cart when a white Toyota Corolla pulled into her path, violating her right of way.
Upon impact, the golf cart driver was ejected and landed on the roadway, suffering “numerous visible injuries.” The Toyota Corolla fled the scene, but not before a witness obtained the license plate number. Additionally, Community Watch captured video of the Toyota leaving the crash scene.
Police tracked the license plate to the Parker at East Village apartments, located behind the nearby Lowe’s. An officer spoke with the male owner of the car, who confirmed that his girlfriend, Santiago-Zapata, had been driving the vehicle. She later agreed to speak with officers at the Lady Lake Police Department.
During her interview with law enforcement, the Puerto Rico native admitted to “freaking out” and leaving the scene after seeing the injured Villager lying on the roadway. She returned to her home at the Parker at East Village apartments following the collision.
Police learned that Santiago-Zapata’s license was suspended, noting that she had a prior conviction for driving while license suspended in 2021.
She remains free on $6,000 bond.