INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — A 24-year-old man who deputies said was the driver involved in a fatal 2018 hit-and-run that killed an early morning jogger, was arrested Sunday.
Michele Gazzara
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY INDIAN RIVER COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
Deputies arrested Michele Gazzara, of the 6900 block of 12th Street, on a charge of leaving the scene of an accident with death, records show. Gazzara was released Monday from the Indian River County Jail on $50,000 bond.
The Sept. 1 crash happened about 4 a.m. on 12th Street, east of 58th Avenue. Deputies said Gazzara failed to immediately stop or remain at the scene of the crash, which claimed the life of 30-year-old Jessica Joy Dees-Feurstein
Troopers obtained surveillance footage near the crash and were able to get a description of the vehicle to track it down. A few days after the wreck, authorities found the 2013 white Jeep Wrangler driven by Gazzara in a garage at a home on 12th Street, according to Florida Highway Patrol.
Troopers learned the sports utility vehicle was registered to another resident at the home and that Gazzara was the driver in the crash. The vehicle had damage consistent with evidence found at the scene of the hit-and run, officials said.
Initially, Gazzara was interviewed but not arrested, officials said. Troopers seized the vehicle as evidence.
Troopers initially said the case was turned over to the State Attorney’s Office in Indian River County to determine if charges would be filed. Gazzara has an arraignment at 8:45 a.m. August 2, court records show.
