INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — A pedestrian was struck Sunday evening as he tried to cross 12th Street, according to the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office.
Carmela Castelli, 71, was driving her grey 2006 Honda west on 12th Street approaching Commerce Avenue when she struck a homeless man identified as Robert Lee Lyons, 48, according to authorities.
Lyons was walking north across 12th Street and not in a designated cross walk when he was struck. Lyons was transported to Lawnwood Medical Center to receive treatment for multiple broken bones and other related injuries.
Deputy Jeff Saputo, lead crash investigator, determined that Lyons was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash and impairment is believed to have played a major part in the crash.
Castelli said that she never saw Lyons crossing the road, according to the Sheriff’s Office. She was traveling approximately 35 mph when the crash occurred. An independent witness observed the crash, as they were stopped, avoiding Lyons in the roadway. Lyons was expected to undergo surgery Monday for his injuries and is expected to recover.
“The witness indicated that at one point he (Lyons) was just standing in the turn lane,” said Dep. Jeff Saputo. “Then without warning he stepped into the path of Castelli’s vehicle.”
No charges against the driver are expected in this case.
