MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – The woman who was behind the wheel of an older model Bentley when she lost control of the car and crashed into a South Beach restaurant is not facing charges at this point, according to police, Local 10 News has learned.
Video shows the driver moments after the accident standing outside of the car.
Police said the woman, who was in her mid-70s, was trying to parallel park near Call Me Gaby at 22 Washington Ave., around 6:30 p.m. Thursday when the car jumped the curb. One witness told Local 10 News that the car “didn’t stop, it kept going.”
6 people were taken to the hospital from the scene, including a 3-year-old boy. 1 person died.
Miami Beach Police identified the victim as Gary Michael Prince, 67. Social media posts said that Prince was a doctor, a New York native and was a resident of Miami Beach. One person at the site on Friday chose not to go on camera but said the man who died and his friends were regulars at Call Me Gaby.
Darlene Nieves, who works nearby as a valet, said that she believed that the woman meant to put the car into park, but instead hit reverse. “(She) just went right through the restaurant.”
Bystanders immediately stepped in to help. Nieves said she saw a man trapped under the car. “So we all ran and tried to pick up the car, tried to help the guy out. It was crazy.”
The crash remains under investigation.
Owners of Call Me Gaby issued a statement.
“We are deeply saddened and devastated by last night’s tragic event. On behalf of everyone within the Call Me Gaby family, our thoughts and prayers go out to those injured and deceased in the incident and their loved ones. We hold all those involved close to our hearts. We want to thank our employees, patrons and bystanders who leaped into action, helping lift the vehicle to save a three-year-old boy and a man in his 50s who were trapped underneath. We also want to recognize the phenomenal response by Miami Beach Police Department, Miami Beach Fire Department and first responders who were on the scene immediately and tended to the individuals involved in the incident. Out of respect for those involved, Call Me Gaby will remain closed this afternoon and this evening.”