The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has arrested a woman in connection with a fatal hit-and-run that resulted in the death of a 17-year-old Edward White High School senior. The student, Alaysha Williams, was fatally struck by three vehicles on September 30 while crossing Blanding Boulevard, according to First Coast News. Karlotta Dowdy, 41, identified as the driver who fled the scene, was taken into custody last Friday, the authorities detailed.
Following the incident, video footage obtained by detectives from a nearby business revealed Dowdy checking her vehicle for damage several blocks away, before driving off, having left behind the victim's backpack. Navigating a tight corner of grief and justice, the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office said that thus far, Dowdy is the only one facing charges among those involved. "Although it cannot be definitively determined which vehicle caused the injuries that led to Williams' death, video evidence indicates Ms. Dowdy’s vehicle caused significant bodily injury," a statement obtained by First Coast News. The other drivers were not charged as Williams was not in a crosswalk at the time of the accident, police explained.
Dowdy was charged with leaving the scene of a crash resulting in serious bodily injury, and bonded out of jail the following day, News4JAX reported. Sgt. Robert Hungerford of JSO's Traffic Homicide Unit expressed in the post, "While these cases are heartbreaking to investigate, bringing answers to the victim's family is paramount." Detectives worked swiftly gathering evidence and conducting interviews, which culminated in the arrest.
According to police statements, Dowdy at first denied hitting Williams, claiming instead she hit another vehicle at the crash scene. Action News Jax cites the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office's assertion that "evidence indicates Dowdy knew or should have known she had struck a person." This tragic incident has garnered substantial attention due to the victim's role as a multi-sport athlete and her prominence in the school community.
The case is still under investigation. Dowdy has a history of traffic violations in Duval County, including speeding, running a stop sign, and driving without a seatbelt, according to News4JAX.
