Nadia Pierre-Louis of North Lauderdale, Florida was arrested on Tuesday for her alleged connection to a hit-and-run crash that led to the death of Jay Edelstein of Fort Lauderdale. Pierre-Louis, 25, faces one count of failure to stop and remain at an accident involving a death.
She was booked into Broward Main Jail and ordered held in lieu of a $250,000 bond by Broward Judge Michael Davis. The judge also ordered her to surrender her passport and green card because she might be a flight risk. It is unclear if she has acquired the services of an attorney.
According to the arrest report, the incident occurred after 6 a.m. on December 29 in the driveway of the Seminole Casino Coconut Creek. Witnesses said Edelstein was on foot outside the casino when he was hit from behind by a gray 2003 Toyota Corolla. He suffered severe head and leg injuries and was taken to Broward Health North Hospital for treatment. He died two days later as a result of his injuries.
Coconut Creek Police linked the Toyota Corolla involved in the crash to Pierre-Louis’ address in North Lauderdale and that led to her arrest on Tuesday. Pierre-Louis is originally from Haiti. She lives with a relative in North Lauderdale and reportedly works as a housekeeper.
A similar hit-and-run crash was reported in Delray Beach on New Year’s Day involving Philip Varsam. Varsam, 28, surrendered to police on Tuesday to face charges for an alleged hit-and-run crash that severely injured cyclist Alkiva Douglas of Fort Lauderdale.
Varsam was arrested on suspicion failing to remain at the scene of an accident involving a serious injury. He is being held at Broward Main Jail in lieu of a $30,000 bond. Judge Michael Davis also ordered Varsam to surrender his passport.
According to Broward Sheriff’s Office, the crash occurred after 9 p.m. on New Year’s Day along the 6700 block of NW 9th Avenue. Douglas, 19, was purportedly cycling south when he was struck from behind by a vehicle. A witness reportedly saw a white 2015 Lexus hit Douglas and drive away from the scene.
Investigators have not released details on how the witness’ description of the vehicle led police to Varsam. It’s also unclear if he negotiated his surrender with police or if he surrendered of his own accord.
Varsam is employed at an Italian restaurant and has no priors. Douglas works at a car wash and sentenced to three years probation last year for grand theft and forgery.