A man was arrested after a car drove into a thrift store Thursday morning in East Naples, injuring five people.
According to the Collier County Sheriff's Office, the crash happened around 10:40 a.m. when a car drove into the north side of St. Matthew’s House Boutique Thrift Store at 2601 Airport-Pulling Road.
Deputies and emergency crews responded shortly after the call came into dispatch and said injuries among the five victims vary in severity. CCSO said three people suffered traumatic injuries and a total of six people were injured.
According to the sheriff's office, 42-year-old Donald Peyton-Lee Russell Jr. intentionally drove his 2024 black Honda sedan into the storefront.
CCSO said the Naples man was taken into custody at the scene. He was then transported to a hospital for treatment and later arrested after an interview with detectives.
Russell is in the Collier County Jail and was charged with three counts of aggravated battery causing great bodily harm, three counts of aggravated battery using a deadly weapon (the vehicle) and criminal mischief over $1,000.
CCSO said this is an active investigation and, based on the evidence deputies have at this time, these are the appropriate charges.
The sheriff's office also said they will be posting additional information on Friday.
“Our deputies, along with fire, EMS and law enforcement crews, responded with urgency and professionalism,” Sheriff Kevin Rambosk said via a CCSO Facebook post . Their actions not only prevented further harm, but also helped bring calm to a chaotic situation.”
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