PALM COAST, Fla. – A 75-year-old man who was injured in a hit-and-run incident involving an electric bicycle is now speaking out, following the arrest of the alleged driver, thanks to efforts by Flagler County investigators.
The accident took place on Friday morning at the intersection of Palm Coast Parkway and Lake Forest Way. Authorities reported that surveillance footage played a crucial role in identifying the vehicle involved in the incident.
David Blanks recounted that he was on his e-bike heading to a local store when, just as he crossed the intersection, a white SUV collided with him.
“I proceeded through the intersection, and suddenly, there it was,” Blanks recalled. “I ended up right on the middle of its hood.”
Blanks described being thrown to the ground and dragged for several feet before the driver sped away from the scene.
“He simply drove off,” Blanks expressed. “I was quite disappointed. I expected at least for someone to open the door and help pull me out of the roadway.”
According to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, surveillance video shows the vehicle pulling forward and striking Blanks, dragging him and his e-bike approximately six feet.
Deputies later located a white Mazda SUV parked in a driveway along Beaver Dam Lane and observed damage to the front driver’s-side fender, according to the sheriff’s office.
Investigators said they made contact with 38-year-old Andrea Matranga at the home. Deputies reported Matranga immediately stated “there was no crash” and attempted to forcibly shut the door on an officer’s foot.
A deputy wrote that Matranga tried to slam the door while yelling for officers to leave the property. Deputies said they deployed a Taser twice, but it was ineffective due to Matranga’s baggy clothing. A third deployment was successful, and he was taken into custody.
Matranga faces several charges, including leaving the scene of a crash involving injuries and battery on a law enforcement officer.
Blanks said he initially believed the suspect would never be found.“In my mind, I was like, well, they are never going to catch this guy,” he said. “The odds of them getting him in my mind was slim to none.”
Despite his injuries, Blanks said he remains grateful to be alive.“I don’t hold malice towards anybody,” he said. “But be a human being and at least check on somebody if there’s a possibility you might be able to help somebody.”
“It’s my lucky day is the way I look at it,” Blanks added. “Because it could have been terrible, so I feel blessed.”
Deputies said a relative told investigators Matranga has been diagnosed with schizophrenia, has a valid driver’s license and has been known to leave the home and drive without permission.
Officials said Matranga was later released from jail on a $15,000 bond.
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