FHP investigating a hit-and-run in Lee County

Reporter: Zach Oliveri Writer: Drew Hill
Published: Updated:
Florida Highway Patrol
Credit: WINK News

What began as a nice Sunday afternoon meal, ended in terror as a vehicle hit three people and took off. Now, the Florida Highway Patrol is conducting a criminal investigation.

A car drove into a seating area on Sunday near the intersection of Palm Beach Boulevard and Fairfax Drive in Tice. This crash sent three people to Lee Memorial Hospital with minor injuries.

Families who came to a food truck for a quiet afternoon lunch quickly realized their outdoor dining space had turned into a crime scene. A car plowed through the dining area, injuring three people and sending them to the hospital.

This happened at around 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, in front of the Moonlight Motel along Palm Beach Boulevard in Tice.

Witnesses say they saw a white Nissan Sentra in the parking lot of the motel. It hit the side of a tree before barreling into the tables where three people were sitting, according to witnesses.

The 18-year-old who was behind the wheel swapped seats with the 19-year-old passenger prior to leaving the scene of the crash.

Those eyewitnesses did not want to be identified by WINK news because they were rushing to the hospital to be with their wives.

FHP troopers and Lee County Sheriff’s deputies were speaking with those at the food truck and people staying at the motel on Sunday afternoon.

Florida Highway Patrol is labeling this as a criminal investigation with hit-and-run charges pending. For now, they do have suspects and will be working with the State Attorney in Lee County.

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