FHP: Suspected drunk driver hits, kills construction worker

MIAMI (WSVN) -- The Florida Highway Patrol said a suspected drunk driver struck and killed a construction worker on Interstate 95 and tried to flee the scene.

FHP said Ana Baez, 36, was driving southbound on I-95 just south of State Road 112 early Friday morning, when she drove through the barricades and onto a construction site. Police said, Baez struck and killed Luis Brito, 40, in a head-on collision. FHP accused Baez of then taking off from the scene and crashing her car into a cherry picker further down the road.

Michael Reyes witnessed the accident. "When they heard the impact, they saw what they did and kept on going," he said through a translator.

Police apprehended Baez, and she is recovering in the hospital with minor injuries. "She was transported to the hospital for further testing. At this point, we suspect there was alcohol involved," said FHP Sergeant Gonzalo Pena.

Family and friends are left grieving, and three teenage children are now without a father. "He was a funny guy, that guy was a good guy," said Carlos Valdes, a friend of Brito.

Clara Luz, the victim's sister, said she wants to see justice done for the loss of her brother. "A life was lost on the account of somebody's irresponsibility," she said.

Baez's attorney, Brian Bieber, released the following statement, late Friday afternoon: "Our deepest sympathies and sincerest condolences go out to Mr. Brito's family..."

FHP said charges remain pending.

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