RSSOrlando Woman Honks Horn at Man before Running Over Him
A leisurely trip to the Walmart on Vineland Road became a harrowing experience for two friends when one of the men was nearly killed by a vehicle.
According to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, the two men were walking through the parking lot of the Walmart on May 11. As they neared a center aisle in the lot, a BMW approached. The driver of the BMW, 27-year-old Noelia Mendez, of Orlando, honked her horn, wanting the two men to move out of her way.
One of the two men motioned for Mendez to slow down, as she was in a parking lot. In response, Mendez hit the gas and accelerated the BMW. It hit one of the men, knocking him down and running over his leg.
Rather than stop, Mendez sped out of the parking lot, leaving the man to suffer from his injuries. Osceola County Sheriff’s Office declined to release the name of the victim or his friend. The man suffered minor injuries and was treated at the scene.
Sheriff’s deputies conducted an investigation. They interviewed the man involved in the accident as well as other witnesses. They came the conclusion that Mendez intentionally tried to harm man.
Mendez’s vehicle was located a short time later. She admitted to honking her horn at the men. She was charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and booked into the Osceola County Jail. Mendez denied that she had intentionally tried to injure the man and claimed he ran into her vehicle.
According to Florida statutes, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon is defined as “intentionally or knowingly causes great bodily harm, permanent disability, or permanent disfigurement (with the) use (of) a deadly weapon.” The charge is a second-degree felony and mandatory minimum sentencing guidelines could apply if Mendez has a criminal record. She could face up to 40 years in prison if convicted of the crime.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Florida automobile accident, contact the Law Offices of James O. Cunningham, P.A. immediately at 877-FL-INJURY (877-354-6587) for a free initial consultation.
James O. Cunningham
Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.
Mr. Cunningham is an excellent and knowledgeable attorney.