PALM COAST, Fla. – A 75-year-old man injured in a hit-and-run involving an e-bike is speaking out after Flagler County investigators say they identified and arrested the driver responsible.
The crash happened Friday morning at the intersection of Palm Coast Parkway and Lake Forest Way. Investigators said surveillance video helped them identify the vehicle involved.
David Blanks said he was riding his e-bike to a nearby store when he was struck by a white SUV moments after crossing the intersection.
“I went ahead and went and boom, it just broadsided,” Blanks said. “I was right in the middle of his hood.”
Blanks said he was knocked to the ground and dragged several feet before the driver fled the scene.
“He just took off,” Blanks said. “I was a little bit disappointed. Open the door and drag my body out of the street or something.”
According to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, surveillance video shows the vehicle pulling forward and striking Blanks, dragging him and his e-bike approximately six feet.
Deputies later located a white Mazda SUV parked in a driveway along Beaver Dam Lane and observed damage to the front driver’s-side fender, according to the sheriff’s office.
Investigators said they made contact with 38-year-old Andrea Matranga at the home. Deputies reported Matranga immediately stated “there was no crash” and attempted to forcibly shut the door on an officer’s foot.
A deputy wrote that Matranga tried to slam the door while yelling for officers to leave the property. Deputies said they deployed a Taser twice, but it was ineffective due to Matranga’s baggy clothing. A third deployment was successful, and he was taken into custody.
Matranga faces several charges, including leaving the scene of a crash involving injuries and battery on a law enforcement officer.
Blanks said he initially believed the suspect would never be found.“In my mind, I was like, well, they are never going to catch this guy,” he said. “The odds of them getting him in my mind was slim to none.”
Despite his injuries, Blanks said he remains grateful to be alive.“I don’t hold malice towards anybody,” he said. “But be a human being and at least check on somebody if there’s a possibility you might be able to help somebody.”
“It’s my lucky day is the way I look at it,” Blanks added. “Because it could have been terrible, so I feel blessed.”
Deputies said a relative told investigators Matranga has been diagnosed with schizophrenia, has a valid driver’s license and has been known to leave the home and drive without permission.
Officials said Matranga was later released from jail on a $15,000 bond.