A family in Golden Gate City is demanding justice after an alleged drunk driver plowed into their apartment, narrowly missing an elderly woman and injuring her son before fleeing the scene. The crash happened around 8:30 p.m. at Mer Soleil Apartments, according to the Collier County Sheriff's Office (CCSO).
“I felt the hit. I was in my room. If I was in the part of the bed closer to the window, I wouldn’t be sharing this story," said Estherguido Diaz, the homeowner's son.
The impact of the crash left a massive hole in the apartment, directly in the main bedroom. Gulf Coast News also found a collapsed wall, shattered furniture, and debris scattered throughout the home.
Diaz’s mother, who was in the bathroom at the time, was unharmed. However, Diaz suffered cuts and bruises, including a swollen head.
“My mom went to the bathroom right before. Had my mom been there, she would have died,” said Diaz.
Witnesses say two shirtless men climbed out of the Ford pickup truck’s windows while it was still inside the apartment, fleeing the scene immediately.
"It smelled like alcohol in the truck," said Diaz.
A neighbor called 911 immediately after the crash, and the Collier County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene. CCSO tells Gulf Coast News that deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate either suspect.
“Turn yourself in. You don’t do that. You need to hold yourself accountable because you could have killed two people," said Diaz.
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