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LEHIGH ACRES, Lee County, Fla., Nov. 13, 2026 — A woman was hurt on Wednesday, November 11, after a rear-end crash in a Lehigh Acres parking lot escalated into a deliberate hit, according to the Lee County Sheriff's Office. A man now faces charges in connection with the incident.
The crash happened in the parking lot of the Gunnery Road Plaza near Gretchen Avenue. The woman, identified by local reporters as Yoliadys Colon Ortiz, said she was driving with her two children when a black Nissan followed too closely behind her in the dead-end lot. She said she braked, and the Nissan struck her car from behind.
Colon Ortiz said she got out of her vehicle to confront the other driver, who then accelerated and hit her with the car. She said she landed on the sidewalk. She reported major scrapes to her left elbow and knee, a swollen knee, and back pain, though she was not reported to have been hospitalized.
According to the arrest report, the driver, identified as Sam Brunson of Lehigh Acres, then picked up the Nissan's broken grille and drove away from the scene. Deputies arrested Brunson, who faces charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and hit and run, the sheriff's office said. Investigators credited tips from community members with helping track down the vehicle.
We wish the injured a complete and speedy recovery.
More on Crashes in Lehigh Acres, FL
This crash happened on Gunnery Road in Lehigh Acres, FL. We cover crashes across Lee County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Lee County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does distraction play a role in rear-end crashes?
A driver who is not watching the road ahead usually cannot brake in time when traffic slows or stops suddenly, which is why following distance and attention matter so much in these crashes.
What injuries are common after a rear-end collision?
Rear-end crashes frequently cause neck and back strain, along with cuts, bruises, and swelling from impact with the vehicle interior or, as in cases involving a pedestrian, the ground.
What should someone do after being rear-ended?
Safety experts recommend staying inside the vehicle if possible, calling 911 right away, and avoiding confrontation with the other driver until law enforcement arrives.
How do road or lot conditions affect stopping distance?
Wet pavement, debris, or tight spaces like dead-end lots can reduce how much room a driver has to stop safely, raising the chance of a rear-end impact.
