Hernando: Police reports

Authorities are investigating a multiple-car crash that occurred Monday morning on U.S. 19 when a speeding motorist rammed into two cars, officials said. No one was critically injured even though one vehicle was thrown more than 250 feet after impact. According to sheriff's deputies, a man driving a silver Camaro was speeding north on U.S. 19 at 90 to 100 mph when he ran a red light at Applegate Drive and hit another car. The man kept driving. Just north of Toucan Trail, he slammed into the rear of a second vehicle, which flew into the air and into the southbound lane -- where it was struck a second time by another car, officials said. The woman in the twice-hit car, Debra Heckman, 30, of Spring Hill was taken to Spring Hill Regional Hospital. Her injuries were not life-threatening, authorities said. The driver accused of speeding, Richard John Direnzo, whose age and address were not released, and a passenger in his car were flown to Tampa General Hospital. But once the helicopters landed, the driver refused treatment and left the hospital. The condition of the passenger was not available Monday evening.

Authorities say woman threw mirror piece at teen

A woman faces child abuse charges after she threw a piece of broken mirror at a teenage boy, authorities said. According to a Hernando County sheriff's report, a boy was play wrestling with his sister in a garage when he accidentally injured the girl Friday. Susan M. Clappas, 38, of 9222 Century Drive in Spring Hill came into the garage at 4159 Mariner Blvd., saw the crying girl and tried to hit the boy. As others tried to restrain Clappas, she threw a piece of mirror at the boy and it cut his arm, a report said. Then Clappas went after another adult, whom she accused of being a drug dealer, officials said. Deputies came to the home and arrested Clappas, during which time she resisted and dug her fingers into a deputy's hand, a report said. Clappas was taken to the Hernando County Jail and faces charges of child abuse, battery and resisting arrest with violence.

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright