POMPANO BEACH, Fla. – A 37-year-old woman has been arrested and faces charges in connection with a hit-and-run crash that authorities say killed one woman and left her husband hospitalized in Pompano Beach last week.
Jail records show Ashley Bowman faces several charges, including DUI resulting in death, after deputies said she struck a couple while they were crossing the street on Friday night and then fled the scene.
The incident occurred just after 9 p.m. near the intersection of East Atlantic and Pompano Beach Boulevard.
Patrizia Mericante was pronounced dead at the scene, while Sal Merciante was transported to a nearby hospital, according to investigators.
The couple, along with their daughter and granddaughter, was attempting to cross the street when Broward Sheriff’s Office deputies said they were struck by Bowman, who was driving under the influence.
The incident has left the Mericante family heartbroken.
“We knew it was a serious accident,” Antonio Marciante said. “About 45 minutes later, I got another call that Patrizia had passed.”
Devastated by the loss, Antonio Marciante expressed his anger upon learning that the driver had left his relatives in the street and fled the scene.
“When you come to find out that this is a pattern that this person has done for years, it doesn’t become difficult, you get angry,” he added.
Meanwhile, Sal Marciante remains in critical condition, unaware that his wife has passed. His loved ones told Local 10′s Roy Ramos that he faces a long recovery, having suffered broken bones and brain injuries. He is scheduled for surgery on Monday night.
Antonio Marciante said, “He is asking for Patrizia.”
Bowman was later arrested and appeared before a Broward County judge on Sunday.
Authorities said Bowman was driving with a suspended license at the time of the crash and has a history of DUI offenses.
As of Monday, Bowman was being held without bond at the Paul Rein Detention Facility in Pompano Beach.