5 days ago
Hit-and-run driver allegedly told cops victim ‘was just a homeless person'
According to a court report, the victim, identified as 41-year-old Katherine Kipnis, was hit so hard some of her hair was embedded in the BMW's windshield and found on the front passenger headrest
Ivana Gomez and the blue BMW she was driving
The driver of a BMW who hit a woman so hard her head went through the windscreen allegedly told cops 'it was just a homeless person'.
Florida woman Ivana Gomez is in Miami-Dade County jail following the fatal hit-and-run crash.
She is behind bars after cops say she fatally struck the pedestrian before driving away.
She then dismissed her actions by allegedly saying the victim was 'just a homeless person.'
Gomez (32) is facing charges of leaving the scene of a crash resulting in death and resisting an officer without violence.
Ivana Gomez and the blue BMW she was driving
News in 90 Seconds - 5th June 2025
According to an arrest report, Gomez had passed a police officer while driving the BMW at a high rate of speed moments before she struck the pedestrian.
She didn't stop even after the officer activated his lights and siren and only came to a halt when she reached a red light with two vehicles in front of her.
The officer noted in the report that Gomez had a strong odour of alcohol on her breath and bloodshot, watery eyes.
She declined to complete a sobriety test and requested to speak to an attorney.
She was the only one in the car and was arrested. When she was in the back of a patrol car, police said, 'she spontaneously stated that it was just a homeless person that I hit and it is just an accident.'
Gomez denied making the statement, insisting: 'I did not say that whatsoever. That's false.'
However, Gomez's 'disregard for human life by fleeing the scene and possibly being under the influence of an alcoholic beverage demonstrates a reckless and wanton disregard for the safety of others,' a court report reads.
According to a court report, the victim, identified as 41-year-old Katherine Kipnis, was hit so hard some of her hair was embedded in the BMW's windshield and found on the front passenger headrest.
Kipnis' cousin who spoke during the hearing, asked the judge to be 'aware of what a shining light has been taken out of this world by the incredible irresponsibility of this defendant'.
The victim's father spoke with local ABC affiliate WPLG on Friday.
'My daughter was vivacious, lovable. Everyone really liked her. She was tough, but in a good way,' he told the outlet. 'I just think back, I spoke to her last night at 6 o'clock when she told me, 'I love you, Dad.' That's the last thing she said to me.'
Prosecutors say Gomez could face additional charges including vehicular homicide after further investigation.
