BOCA RATON, FL (Boca Post) (Copyright © 2026) — A resident of The Polo Club of Boca Raton is facing a felony charge after deputies say she left the scene of a crash that injured another driver just outside the gated community.
Rhoda Prager, 89, who lists an address inside The Polo Club, was booked into the Palm Beach County Jail on April 17 on a charge of leaving the scene of a crash with injury. The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office handled the investigation and arrest, which stems from a crash that happened nearby months earlier.
The incident traces back to October 8, 2025, at the intersection of North Military Trail and Champion Boulevard — a heavily traveled corridor directly outside The Polo Club’s entrance in unincorporated Boca Raton. That area falls under the jurisdiction of PBSO, not Boca Raton Police.
Deputies responded around 10:10 p.m. to a report of a crash involving two vehicles. When they arrived, one car remained at the scene — a silver Honda Odyssey with visible front-end damage. The other vehicle had already left.
The driver of the Honda, identified as Melanie Meltzer, was transported to Delray Medical Center by Palm Beach County Fire Rescue with injuries. She later told deputies she had been driving southbound on Military Trail with a green light when another vehicle attempted a U-turn in front of her, leaving her no time to avoid the collision.
The crash unfolded within sight of The Polo Club, and the investigation quickly led back inside the community.
Security personnel working in the gated neighborhood reported seeing a red sedan with smoke coming from it shortly after the crash. The vehicle was followed as it entered The Polo Club and pulled into a garage, raising concern it may have been involved.
Deputies later responded to a residence inside the community and made contact with Prager. According to the affidavit, she acknowledged owning a red sedan and allowed deputies to inspect it. Investigators observed damage consistent with the crash, including impact points and paint transfer matching what was found on the victim’s vehicle.
Surveillance and dashcam footage obtained from within The Polo Club was also reviewed. Deputies wrote that the video showed a red sedan involved in the crash and that the vehicle’s appearance and damage aligned with Prager’s car.
During initial contact, Prager told deputies she received a “pre-collision” warning in her vehicle in the area and believed she may have struck a curb while turning. She said she did not think she had been involved in a crash and would have stopped if she knew.
After reviewing the physical evidence and video, deputies determined there was probable cause to charge her under Florida Statute 316.027(2)(a), which applies to drivers who leave the scene of a crash involving injuries. She was also cited for making an improper U-turn.
Booking records show no bond was set at the time she was taken into custody.
The case now moves through the Palm Beach County court system, where prosecutors will decide how to proceed. The charge is an allegation and has not been proven in court.
For residents of The Polo Club and surrounding West Boca communities, the case highlights how incidents occurring just outside neighborhood gates are still closely tied to the community — both in terms of access points and security response. It also underscores the role private security can play in identifying vehicles and preserving evidence that later becomes part of a criminal investigation.
Florida law requires drivers involved in crashes with injuries to remain at the scene, render aid if possible, and provide identifying information. Leaving the scene under those conditions can result in felony charges, regardless of who caused the crash.
Stay informed about Boca Raton car accidents affecting major roadways like Glades Road and Federal Highway.
