Palm Bay Woman Arrested for Deadly Hit-and-Run Crash on Christmas Morning in 2023
By Space Coast Daily // June 18, 2025
suspect identified as Tekayiaha Alize Hardy, 26, of Palm Bay
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – After nearly six months of investigation, authorities have arrested a Palm Bay woman in connection with a deadly hit-and-run that occurred early Christmas morning in 2023.
The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the arrest of Tekayiaha Alize Hardy, who was identified as the driver responsible for striking and killing a pedestrian near the intersection of South Harbor City Boulevard and Strawbridge Avenue in Melbourne.
The incident took place at approximately 12:18 a.m. on December 25, 2023, when Melbourne police officers responded to reports of a vehicle versus pedestrian crash.
Upon arrival, they discovered a male pedestrian suffering from life-threatening injuries. He was transported to Holmes Regional Medical Center, where he later died.
According to initial findings, the pedestrian had been attempting to cross South Harbor City Boulevard when he was struck by a vehicle traveling northbound. The driver fled the scene without rendering aid.
After an extensive investigation involving digital and forensic evidence, detectives were able to identify Hardy as the suspected driver. A warrant was issued for her arrest, and she was taken into custody on June 18, 2025, by the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. She has been charged with leaving the scene of a crash involving death and is currently being held without bond pending her initial court appearance.
The Selective Traffic Enforcement Unit is continuing to investigate the case as a Traffic Homicide Investigation.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Sgt. Jeffery Blair at 321-616-5033. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crimeline at Crimeline.org or by calling 1-800-423-TIPS (8477).
