At noon on Oct. 12, a woman who was under the Marchman Act for substance abuse ran away from a local hospital where she was receiving treatment, hijacked a vehicle and ran over its driver, according to witnesses. The victim is in grim condition, as of Monday, Oct. 14.
The Marchman Act is a civil procedure in Florida where a spouse, relative, legal guardian or friend can petition the court to order their loved one to enter into substance abuse treatment. The act provides for voluntary admissions and involuntary assessment, stabilization, and treatment of adults and youth who are severely impaired due to substance abuse, according to the Florida Department of Children and Families.
The suspect was identified as Lisa Nicosia, age 40.
Witnesses, many of who were nursing staff, told deputies that Nicosia absconded from Tampa General Hospital-Brooksville by running out the entrance to the Emergency Department. When she reached the parking lot, she approached a gentleman who was sitting in his vehicle. Nicosia forcefully removed the 70-year-old victim from the driver’s seat and then entered the driver’s seat herself. In an attempt to prevent Nicosia from stealing the vehicle, the victim quickly ran to the passenger side and opened the door.
Nicosia immediately began driving away, causing the victim to fall from the vehicle, at which time the victim became trapped under the rear passenger wheel well. Nicosia continued in reverse, running over the victim’s upper body.
Nursing staff approached and pleaded with Nicosia to stop the vehicle so they could render aid to the victim. Nicosia ignored the pleas and proceeded to drive away, intentionally running over the victim a second time.
Nurses immediately rendered aid to the victim until he was airlifted to Tampa General Hospital (TGH) in Tampa.
While responding to the initial call for what was thought to be a hit and run, deputies observed the suspect travelling east on Jefferson Street in the stolen vehicle. Deputies attempted a traffic stop; but Nicosia did not comply. After travelling a short distance, she pulled in to the parking lot of a local business then fled on foot. Deputies apprehended her inside of the business.
During an interview with detectives, she was unable to make rational statements as she was still under the influence of narcotics. Nicosia was transported back to TGH-Brooksville for medical clearance and was then transported to the Hernando County Detention Center.
Lisa Nicosia was charged as follows:
– Attempted Felony Murder
– Carjacking
– Resist Arrest w/o Violence
– DWLSR
– Fleeing to Elude
– No Bond.
Nicosia was given a court date of Nov. 14, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. in Courtroom “E” at the Hernando County Courthouse.
