HOLLYWOOD, Fla. – Authorities have made an arrest after a road ranger was fatally struck by a car while assisting another driver.
While it does little to ease their pain, loved ones of 28-year-old Jose Parra were pleased to hear of the arrest.
“Not the way I want to be feeling, just a little more justice knowing that somebody was arrested,” said Satacie Parra, the victim’s wife. “I just wish he could come back honestly.”
Police arrested 45-year-old Latoya Hayes for the fatal crash that claimed Parra’s life.
Parra’s mother said In Spanish, “She took everything away, she’s an unconscious person, irresponsible, and low self-value. Because you don’t like yourself in order to respect life.”
According to Florida Highway Patrol, Hayes’ blood alcohol level was at least two times over the legal limit in the New Year’s Day crash.
Parra was helping to clear the scene of an accident in the express lanes of I-95 southbound when Hayes lost control of her BMW SUV, causing a chain reaction crash.
Parra’s father said in Spanish, “People should be conscious of their own lives and conscious of other people’s lives.”
Two troopers and another driver who were also involved in the crash were not seriously injured.
“Be reasonable, you made a really bad decision,” said Stacie Parra. “You killed not just a son, a husband of only five months, a hero.”
Hayes is facing 20 charges ranging from vehicular homicide to DUI manslaughter to reckless driving.
“I just want 100% justice,” said Stacie Parra. “I’m going to fight until the end for him. There’s not a doubt that I’m not going to fight.”