Speedway woman dies after hit-and-run crash in Florida

ST. PETE BEACH, Fla. —

A woman from Speedway, Indiana, died after police say she was hit by an SUV in St. Pete Beach, Florida.

According to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, the hit-and-run crash happened Wednesday, March 25 shortly after 9 p.m.

Deputies found 56-year-old Paula Poe lying along the southbound curb of Gulf Boulevard, near 44th Avenue. Poe had serious injuries consistent with being hit by a car. 

Medics transported Poe to a local hospital, where she later died.  

The sheriff’s office said the suspect’s SUV was seen traveling southbound on Gulf Boulevard and left debris in the roadway after the crash. 

Deputies later located the SUV parked in a hotel parking lot. The driver was identified as 43-year-old Margaret Barah Gardner, and deputies said she showed signs of impairment.

Gardner was arrested and later charged with driving under the influence, refusal to submit to testing, and leaving the scene of a crash with serious bodily injury.  

Deputies transported Gardner to the Pinellas County Jail.