A Cape Coral woman was arrested after accidentally hitting a tree with her car in a Cape Coral TJ Maxx parking lot and leaving the scene. Now, the State Attorney's Office has dropped the charges and she is speaking out.
Yanelly Guzman, 48, is speaking out after her arrest for hitting a low-hanging tree branch in the parking lot where she works.
Guzman told Gulf Coast News that she thought nothing of it, but it dented the top of her car. Her boyfriend later told her she should contact the Cape Coral Police Department to have a report filed just in case.
CCPD arrived at the house on Jan. 1, 2024, and arrested her because the tree is "private property." According to the arrest report, the bottom portion of the branch had bark missing and there was a dent on the roof of the car.
Guzman was charged with hit-and-run because she did not call the police right away to report it.
The State Attorney's Office dropped the charges, but Guzman is upset she was arrested at all because of how low the tree hangs.
CCPD responded to Guzman's response.
“A crime, no matter how big or small, is still a crime because it breaks laws meant to maintain order and protect others. In Guzman’s case, the hit-and-run involves fleeing the scene without taking responsibility. The damaged tree was city property, which makes it a public offense. Legally, everything must be documented, and damaging public property adds more accountability.”
In Florida, if you strike a tree on private property with your car and leave the scene - you could face up to six months in jail and/or a $1,000 fine plus restitution for any damage caused. You may also receive two points against your license.
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