76-Year-Old Florida Woman Arrested in Bizarre Car Hood Escape

 


In Florida, a 76-year-old woman found herself in handcuffs over the weekend after she fled the scene of a car accident at speeds exceeding 50 mph, with the driver of the other vehicle desperately clinging to the hood of her car for about two miles. Cheryl K. Henderson's arrest occurred on Saturday, and she faces charges of felony aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and leaving the scene of an accident causing damage, as authorities revealed.


According to a press release from the Flagler County Sheriff's Office, at approximately 1:57 p.m. on September 30, deputies responded to reports of a hit-and-run car accident in the Palm Coast Parkway and Belle Terre Parkway area. Prior to their arrival, dispatch informed deputies that the suspect was identified as Henderson and was driving a silver Ford SUV.

Witnesses at the scene informed deputies that Henderson and an adult male in another vehicle had been involved in a "minor vehicle crash." After the collision, witnesses stated that Henderson fled the scene.

However, as she drove away, she struck the other driver and continued onto Belle Terre Parkway with the driver holding onto the hood of her vehicle, the release stated. The victim informed deputies that they had indeed been in an accident with Henderson, but when she refused to stop, the victim used their vehicle to block her escape. As the victim exited their car, Henderson allegedly accelerated, forcing the victim to jump onto Henderson's hood to avoid being run over. Henderson then sped away with the victim clinging to the hood.


Despite the victim clearly hanging onto the hood of her car, Henderson reached speeds of approximately 50 mph as she drove away. Another driver who witnessed the unusual sequence of events was able to force Henderson off the road about two miles from the initial accident scene.

Following her removal from the road, Henderson spoke with the police and allegedly admitted to being involved in a car accident but claimed she didn't stop due to running out of gas, according to the probable cause affidavit.

When questioned about why she didn't stop when she saw the victim on her hood, she said she was attempting to pull over so that he would get off. She continued to explain that she was trying but couldn't stop.

Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly, in a statement following Henderson's arrest, emphasized the severity of the incident and the potential for a tragic outcome, stating, "Never hit another person with a car. Thankfully, that victim survived without any serious injuries, but I'm sure it had to be a scary moment for the victim holding onto the hood and the other witnesses. She should never be allowed to touch a steering wheel again."


In another development, Ivy Liu, a 66-year-old from Colorado Springs and former school board member for Colorado's District 49, found herself in hot water when she was arrested after the Colorado Springs Police Department received a trespassing complaint at her residence. See detailed story here

Comments