Uber and Lyft Driver Arrested for Hit and Run Near UF

Gainesville Police Department officers arrested an Uber and Lyft driver early this morning for allegedly running over a woman near the University of Florida.

Just before 2:00 a.m., the victim was walking on SW 13th St. and West University Ave. inside the marked crosswalk when she was struck by an SUV. Witnesses corroborated the incident to police and the driver reportedly did not stop after hitting the victim. 

The victim had visible injuries to include a chipped tooth, several cuts and abrasions and swelling to her legs and ankles. The victim recalled waiting for the pedestrian signal and getting hit from behind after stepping onto to crosswalk. 

Ofc. Owen Osborne reported that police were “able to locate the suspect vehicle approximately 19 blocks south of W University Ave on SW 13th St.” Police made contact with the driver, Evelyn Carter Reynolds, 49, and a passenger. 

The passenger reportedly told police that Reynolds “stated she hit some trash in the roadway on SW 13th at University Ave.” 

Osborne reported that Reynolds “spontaneously stated she hit trash in the roadway and looked in her rearview mirror for an ambulance.” 

After being advised of her Miranda rights, Reynolds reportedly said she thought she hit a trash can and “stated she looked back and recalled three people in the roadway that appeared to be picking up the trash.” 

Reynolds reportedly alleged that the roadway was clear when she made the turn. She said she didn’t know she hit anyone and would’ve stopped if she was aware. 

Reynolds has no prior convictions and the Alachua County Jail is holding her on a $50,000 bond set by Judge Susan Miller-Jones.

According to her First Appearance Pretrial Investigation Summary, Reynolds has worked as a driver for Uber and Lyft over the past three years.