A Florida woman, Yanelly Guzman, was arrested after accidentally hitting a tree in a T.J. Maxx parking lot and leaving the scene. Though the charges were later dropped, she has spoken out about the emotional and financial toll the incident has had on her.
Guzman was arriving for her Christmas Eve shift at T.J. Maxx when she felt an unusual pressure on her car while pulling into a parking spot. She backed up and chose another spot. Later, she realized she had struck a low-hanging tree branch. Unsure of what to do, she informed her manager, who was also uncertain. Following advice from other colleagues, she contacted the Cape Coral Police Department to report the accident.
However, when Guzman met with a police officer in January to file a report, she was unexpectedly arrested and charged with hit-and-run. According to Guzman, the officer informed her that she should have left her contact details, car registration number, and phone number on a note attached to the tree. Instead of taking her report, the officer handcuffed her and transported her to jail, where she was booked and required to post a $150 bail.
“I was shocked and frustrated. I have never been in trouble before,” Guzman stated. “I don’t believe what happened was fair.”
Cape Coral Police issued a statement explaining that the incident met the legal definition of a hit-and-run. According to Florida law, hitting a tree on private property and leaving the scene can result in up to six months in jail, a fine, and two points on a driver’s license. However, prosecutors at the state attorney’s office reviewed the case and dropped the charges due to insufficient evidence.
Despite being cleared of criminal charges, Guzman has been left with nearly $4,300 in legal and car repair expenses. The incident has also caused significant emotional distress.
“I know many police officers are good people, but I’m scared now,” she said. “This experience has affected my ability to eat and sleep properly.”
