Woman Charged in Hit and Run Fatality

The Traffic Unit has arrested a woman on several charges involving a fatal crash on Manatee Avenue East a week before Christmas.

Officers arrested Damaris Taina Reyes, 25, of Bradenton on felony charges of leaving the scene of a crash involving a death, leaving the scene of a crash with injuries and tampering with evidence.

The crash happened on Dec. 18 at the intersection of 20th Street East and Manatee Avenue East at around 8:45 p.m. The crash involved two vehicles including a white 2000 Mazda MPV minivan and a dark blue 2007 Ford Focus. Bradenton Fire and Rescue responded to the scene along with several Manatee County EMS ambulances and supervisors. The crash victims were taken to Manatee Memorial Hospital and Blake Medical Trauma Center in Bradenton.

Reyes, who was arrested today, was driving the white minivan according to the Bradenton Police department.

Reyes is also charged with driving without a license, a felony because the accident involved serious injuries, resisting arrest, leaving the scene of an accident with property damage, failure to report a crash and violation of the right-of-way at a stop intersection.

Manatee County arrest reports show that she had been arrested weeks earlier for driving without a license.

The investigation is continuing and will involve a full traffic crash reconstruction.

Questions regarding the investigation should be directed to Master Patrol Officer Sean O’Leary at (941) 932-9353 or (941) 932-9318.