Clearwater woman arrested in hit-and-run that injured teen cyclist: affidavit
Share and Follow


A woman has been taken into custody following a hit-and-run incident in Clearwater, Florida, that left a 16-year-old cyclist critically injured on October 9th.

Emergency services responded at 2:48 p.m. to a call on the 1200 block of Court Street, where they found a teenage boy who had been struck by a vehicle, resulting in serious injuries.

The Clearwater Police Department’s arrest affidavit reveals that the cyclist was legally crossing when he was hit by a car driven by 66-year-old Colette Fortley Pizzarella.

Investigating officers noted signs of impairment in Pizzarella, including bloodshot and watery eyes, along with extremely constricted pupils. Her balance was also described as “noticeably unsteady.”

Pizzarella consented to a field sobriety test, which she did not pass satisfactorily. Following this, she was transported to a hospital for a medical check-up, where a legal blood sample was collected.

According to the affidavit, analysis of Pizzarella’s blood by the Pinellas County Forensic Laboratory revealed the presence of delta-9 carboxy THC and methadone, a narcotic analgesic, in her system at the time of the crash.

The Clearwater Police Department arrested Pizzarella and charged her with driving under the influence causing serious bodily injury.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

Orlando City Council Elections: Essential Voter Guide for Tuesday’s Key Decision

ORLANDO, Fla. – Central Florida is gearing up for a significant day…

Champaign Tip Jar Thief Reemerges, Now Suspected of Bicycle Theft on U of I Campus: Crime Stoppers

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Authorities are on the lookout for a suspect…

Meet the ‘Emo’ Deer Making Waves in Texas: Wildlife Experts Weigh In on Its Unique Look

AUSTIN (KXAN) – In Lago Vista, Texas, locals have voiced their concerns…

Contraband-Carrying Drone Intercepted Near Washington State Prison: Security Breach Averted

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Ga. – In the early hours of Saturday morning, at…

Delta Flight Conducts Emergency Landing at Melbourne Orlando Airport

MELBOURNE, Fla. – A Delta Air Lines flight had to make an…

Springfield Homicide: Local Man Arrested in Connection with Weekend Murder

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — An investigation into a weekend homicide in Springfield has…

Israeli Hostage Shares Her Story in Savannah: A Powerful Testimony

SAVANNAH, Ga. – From the confines of Gaza to sharing her liberation…

States and Cities Contest Trump Administration’s Revamp of Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

WASHINGTON – In a bold move, over 20 states led by Democrats…