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The culinary community is still reeling after hearing about the death of Terrazza executive chef, Stefano Riccioletti.

Riccioletti, a family man with two small children, was struck and killed in an apparent DUI hit-and-run around 6 a.m. Monday morning by 20-year old Karlie Tomica.

Tomica fled the scene in her car, only to be chased 40 blocks by good samaritan Jairo Fuentes. Fuentes witnessed the incident and followed Tomica while on the phone with police.

Read also:
– Terrazza Executive Chef Stefano Riccioletti Killed in Hit-and-Run

In the released 911 call, Fuentes tells the emergency operator, “I’m here right now…the lady is really drunk and she just came out of the car.”

WPLG Local 10 reports that Tomica’s arrest report also states that she appeared drunk.

In a further twist, WPLG’s report states Tomica told police she bartends at Nikki Beach.

The story is getting worldwide attention, with the Daily Mail reporting that Tomica was coming home from a shift at the trendy nightclub.

If that’s the case, Nikki Beach had an underage bartender working for them.

According to Florida law, a person must be 21 to consume or pour alcohol, but can serve alcohol at 18 (and sell alcohol at age 16 — presumably meant for retail workers selling closed and sealed containers).

If Nikki Beach had Tomica working behind the bar pouring drinks, as opposed to merely serving them — or if a Nikki Beach employee served her alcohol — the nightclub could face penalties.

A first offense carries a $1,000 fine and seven-day license suspension. A second offense within three years brings a $3,000 fine and 30-day license suspension, while a third offense within three years means a license revocation.

In addition, if Tomica was, in fact, coming home directly from Nikki Beach, the nightclub could be named in a civil lawsuit. Criminal allegations might be harder, since they would require proof beyond a reasonable doubt that Nikki Beach management and employees either served alcohol to Tomica or witnessed her drinking alcohol on premises before leaving in her car.

Short Order left several messages with Nikki Beach for comment on Tomica. We will keep you posted with updates to the story. http://blogs.miaminewtimes.com/shortorder/2013/01/hit-and-run_suspect_karlie_tom.php