76-year-old Ellen Schapps Richman of Palm Beach, Florida thought she could get away with a hit and run. But little did she know, her victim was being dragged by her vehicle. According to police records, on March 18th, Ellen was on her way to her country club where she was headed for a golf lesson but before arriving, her Mercedes struck a bicyclist (Justin Rogers (W/M DOB 10/15/1962) who was traveling in an easterly direction on same road. After making initial contact with the bicyclist, Richman did not immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the crash, and did not remain at the scene of the crash as required but instead she continued to drive in an easterly direction while dragging both the bicyclist and his bicycle down the roadway. She parked at the valet of the country club, handed over her keys and went in to take her golf lesson. The bicyclist then was assessed and later transported by Palm Beach Fire Rescue to St. Mary’s Hospital in West Palm Beach for a compound fracture to his tibia and fibula as well as other lacerations and abrasions that were sustained to his left leg. Following a canvass of the area Richman’s vehicle was located by available Patrol Units parked in the parking lot of the Palm Beach Country Club. Officers were then advised by staff that Richman recently arrived and was taking lessons on the golf course.
Richman was jailed and later released on $10,000 bond. A judge did find probable cause to continue the case against her.