Palm Harbor Teen Injured in Hit-And-Run Crash

A 15-year-old Palm Harbor girl is in serious condition following a Monday morning hit-and-run on Pine Ridge Boulevard at the intersection of East Lake Road.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Joseline Ramos Martinez was walking in the crosswalk east to west around 6:40 a.m. when she was struck by a vehicle that fled the scene.

Troopers say that vehicle was driven by Joseph Matthew Darezzo, 20, of Palm Harbor. Darezzo was traveling west on Pine Ridge behind another vehicle at the intersection with East Lake Road. Darezzo attempted to travel around the vehicle when it stopped in front of him and struck the teen.

Darezzo fled the scene, but returned more than an hour later. He was arrested for leaving the scene of an accident with injury and ticketed for making an improper turn.

Martinez suffered serious injuries and was taken to Bayfront Medical Center for treatment.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Florida Highway Patrol