Woman Arrested for DUI Manslaughter After Fatally Striking Bicyclist in Ocala

OCALA, Fla. – A 43-year-old woman is facing charges of DUI manslaughter and leaving the scene of a crash with a death after allegedly hitting and killing a bicyclist while driving under the influence in Ocala, according to authorities.

The incident occurred on the 3100 block of NW Blitchton Road at approximately 6:35 p.m., as reported by the Ocala Police Department.

The victim, identified as 61-year-old Louis Osiel, was pronounced dead at the scene.

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Elizabeth Pizzonia is alleged to have been the driver of the vehicle that struck and killed Osiel. Initially, Pizzonia left the scene of the accident but returned shortly after.

According to police, Pizzonia exhibited signs of impairment, including bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and the smell of alcohol on her breath.

During field sobriety tests, Pizzonia displayed signs of impairment such as swaying, stopping movements, and incorrect maneuvers.

The release further stated that Pizzonia failed multiple sobriety tests and subsequently refused a voluntary blood sample as well as the required breath test.

Following her arrest, Ocala police charged Pizzonia with DUI manslaughter and leaving the scene of a crash resulting in death.

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Details of the Incident

The fatal accident occurred on the 3100 block of NW Blitchton Road in Ocala, Florida. Police received a call about the incident at around 6:35 p.m. and immediately responded to the scene.

Louis Osiel, a 61-year-old bicyclist, was tragically struck by a vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. The driver, Elizabeth Pizzonia, initially fled the scene but returned shortly after.

Upon her return, officers noted that Pizzonia exhibited signs of impairment, including bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and the odor of alcohol on her breath. In order to assess her level of impairment, field sobriety tests were conducted.

During the field sobriety tests, Pizzonia displayed several indicators of impairment, such as swaying, stopping movements, and incorrect maneuvers. Based on these observations, the police determined that she was unfit to operate a vehicle safely.

Pizzonia was subsequently subjected to sobriety tests, which she failed. However, when asked to provide a voluntary blood sample and later the required breath test, she refused both.

Charges and Legal Consequences

As a result of her actions, Elizabeth Pizzonia has been arrested and is facing charges of DUI manslaughter and leaving the scene of a crash resulting in death. These charges carry severe legal consequences.

DUI manslaughter is a serious offense in Florida, punishable by significant fines, license suspension, mandatory DUI education programs, probation, and even imprisonment. Leaving the scene of a crash with a death is also a felony, with potential penalties including imprisonment and fines.

The Ocala Police Department is committed to ensuring the safety of its residents and will continue to investigate this tragic incident thoroughly. They urge anyone with additional information to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation.

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