A 24-year-old Florida man, Nicholas Devon Robinson, is facing serious charges after allegedly causing a fatal crash on the MacArthur Causeway while driving under the influence. Police say Robinson was so intoxicated that he was “completely unaware” he had slammed into a parked car, ejecting and ultimately killing the 19-year-old woman inside.
The tragic incident occurred on Friday, February 21st. According to reports, Robinson was driving a silver Polestar Model 2 at an estimated 100 mph in a 40 mph zone when he lost control, hitting a concrete barrier and then rear-ending a Jeep Wrangler parked on the shoulder of the causeway.
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The Jeep’s driver, Gabriela Alejandra Rios Flores, 19, had pulled over due to car trouble and was waiting inside when the impact occurred. Rios Flores was ejected from her vehicle and rushed to Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Center in critical condition, where she later died from her injuries.
When police detained Robinson, he reportedly appeared “completely unaware” of the crash, asking officers, “Why are you stopping me, it’s my birthday and did you get the other car?” He later vomited in the back of a patrol vehicle.
Officers noted signs of impairment, including slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, and the odor of alcohol. Robinson refused a blood test, requiring police to obtain a warrant.
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Robinson was initially arrested on charges of reckless driving causing serious bodily injury and DUI with serious bodily injury. Following Rios Flores’ death, he was also charged with vehicular homicide/reckless manner. Prosecutors are considering upgrading the charges to manslaughter.
Rios Flores, a Florida International University (FIU) student majoring in communications, is remembered by loved ones as a bright and promising young woman.
Robinson is currently being held on a $200,000 bond. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of drunk driving.
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