The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
A Florida man was accused of striking a pedestrian with his car after police said he admitted he drove to a farmers market with the intention of hitting someone.
According to a probable cause affidavit, the suspect told investigators he woke up depressed on September 13 and wanted to hurt someone besides himself. He reportedly drove to the Boys Farmers Market in Delray Beach, backed his vehicle into a parking space and waited for someone to walk in front of it.
Police learned more about the incident after arriving at the parking lot after a report of a pedestrian being hit. The alleged victim told officers he was walking toward the market entrance when a white vehicle suddenly moved toward him. He managed to push away from the car, but it struck his lower leg.
The suspect was later treated at Delray Medical Center. The police spoke with him, and he gave a sworn statement admitting that he hit the alleged victim. He reportedly told investigators that when the alleged victim walked in front of his vehicle, he purposely pressed the gas pedal.
Before police arrived at the hospital, an emergency-room physician placed the suspect under a Baker Act hold. The Baker Act allows a person believed to have a mental illness and pose a potential danger to themselves or others to be held for involuntary psychiatric evaluation for up to 72 hours.
The suspect was taken into custody and booked into the Palm Beach County Jail. Court records showed he is facing one felony count involving an act committed during another felony that could cause death. He was being held without bond.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a criminal offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.