Driver breaks legs of man who leaned on SUV

Passion 08-02-2006

When a stranger leaned against his car, and then refused to move, a motorist became so angry he ran into the man's legs outside a Bradenton laundry Saturday, authorities said.The victim suffered multiple leg fractures as a result of the incident that happened around 7:15 p.m. Saturday at the Coin Laundry at 5803 15th St. E. in East Bradenton, according to a Manatee County sheriff's report.

The incident began when the driver backed his vehicle into a parking space next to the laundry. The victim, 24-year-old Jose Garcia of Oneco, reportedly leaned on the truck, and didn't move when the driver yelled at him, the report said. The driver revved his engine and backed up a bit, but the victim still refused to move. Then, according to the report, the driver pulled forward several feet before backing up rapidly.

The vehicle jumped the curb, crushing both of the victim's legs. It continued reversing until it rammed into the wall of the laundry.

The victim was pinned against the building; he suffered fractures and cuts to both his legs below the knee and was taken to Manatee Memorial Hospital.

The driver sped off. The laundry suffered between $2,500 and $3,500 in damage, the report said.

Authorities are looking for the suspect vehicle, reported as a 1997 dark blue and gray Chevy Suburban with Texas tag 253CCD, the report said. The suspect could face a felony charge of aggravated battery with a motor vehicle.