ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. — Kevin Alan Hoffman, the driver of a Tesla who hit and killed 64-year-old Delinda Ronette Heinrich on July 8, has been arrested and is being held at the St. Johns County Detention Center without bond.
Heinrich was riding her scooter on State Road 16 when she was hit. We told you July 21 when her family was seeking justice for his arrest. Now that the arrest has been made, they say they’re one step closer.
“We are happy that he’s not out there maybe able to kill someone else’s loved one. We just want him prosecuted and off the highways, off the streets,” said Rhonda Clay, Heinrich’s sister.
They go by their middle names, Ruthette and Ronette. The sister duo was just 11 months apart.
“I called Ronnie as soon as I heard, and I begged her to pick the phone up. And she didn’t,” Ruthette said.
According to the arrest report, Hoffman was driving away from deputies and speeding. Florida Highway Patrol says, “he continued down State Road 16 and failed to stop to render aid.”
He was arrested Wednesday and charged with DUI, Vehicular Homicide, and leaving the scene of a crash involving death. Florida Highway Patrol says his alcohol level was nearly three times the legal limit.
“I’m not an evil person. I’m not, but I want him to get the longest time,” Ruthette said.
This isn’t Hoffman’s first run-in on the road. Back in March of last year, he was charged with a DUI that was reduced to reckless driving. Then, his alcohol level was 3 ½ times the legal limit. He was put on probation for what was supposed to be a year. One of the requirements was an ignition interlock device to be put in his car. He was let off of probation 6 months early and almost a month later, he’s accused of driving drunk again. This time, it took a life.
“We’re never going to get Ronette back. All that’s left of her are pictures and video,” Ruthette said.
Action News Jax will keep you updated as this case moves through the court.
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