Gulfport, FL – A 22-year-old Florida man, Xavier Rugby, has been arrested and charged following a tragic incident in which he allegedly struck a woman riding an E-bike and drove for several blocks with her on the windshield of his vehicle, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.
Deadly Crash Details
The victim, 38-year-old Kjersten Aileen-Hermance Strang, a resident of St. Petersburg, was traveling on 49th Street South in Gulfport around 10 p.m. Saturday when Rugby allegedly hit her. Authorities say Strang died at the scene from her injuries.
According to police, Rugby was driving a 2021 Nissan Altima south on 49th Street, approaching 10th Avenue South, at a high rate of speed. Strang was ejected from her E-bike and landed on the vehicle’s windshield. Disturbingly, Rugby continued driving for approximately eight blocks before Strang was dislodged from the car.
Alleged Flight from Scene
Instead of stopping or calling for help, Rugby sped away from the scene without notifying authorities. St. Petersburg Police Department officers later located him near 2222 49th Street South in St. Petersburg.
When officers attempted to administer field sobriety tests, Rugby reportedly refused to cooperate. Law enforcement noted signs of impairment, leading to his immediate arrest.
Charges and Current Status
Rugby now faces several serious charges, including:
- Leaving the scene of a crash involving death
- Vehicular homicide leaving the scene
- DUI manslaughter
He is currently detained at the Pinellas County Jail, where he remained Sunday, according to the reports.
Community Impact
The incident has left the Gulfport and St. Petersburg communities shaken. Authorities urge anyone with information regarding the crash to contact Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.
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