Hit-and-run suspect bonds out, teen recovers

Orange County, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - A hit-and-run suspect is out of jail on a $2,500 bond.

She's accused of injuring a child.

FHP troopers say Claudette Dorzier, 34, hit Elijah Melendez, 13, on Dean Road, then took off.

Investigators say it happened  just after 9 a.m. Monday, as crossing guards where helping students cross the streetl.

Elijah, who attends Union Park Middle, told us what happened.

"It was my turn to go and the car came out of no where," he said. "It just came and hit me. I fell and they called the ambulance. How are you feeling? Better."

Investigators say the driver hit Elijah in the left arm with the right mirror and also ran over his foot.

Elijah's grandmother, Marisa Filomeno, rushed to the hospital.

"I'm just really disgusted with so many decent people getting run over and thrown to the side like they're some kind of road kill," she said.

According to troopers, Dorzier stated that since Elijah ran across the street she felt she did not need to stay.

Two witnesses followed Dorzier, then called 911.

Both Marisa and Elijah are grateful to the strangers who helped catch the hit-and-run suspect.

Elijah said, "Thank you that you helped us out a lot."

Marisa agrees, "I would love to thank those individuals personally that they literally risked their life to try, oh my gosh, I'm just so overwhelmed," she said. "I'm so thankful for these people that stepped up."

Dorzier did not want to comment.