Orlando, Fla. – An 18-year-old man in Orange County, Florida, has been arrested for allegedly using his car to attempt to kill a pedestrian, police say. Authorities say the suspect ran over the victim multiple times, including driving back and forth over his head, in a violent incident that left the man with life-threatening injuries.
Suspect Taken Into Custody
Officials identified the suspect as Jarrell Noah Jones, 18. He was taken into custody on Monday and charged with one count of attempted second-degree murder, according to Orange County court records. Jones is currently being held at the Orange County Detention Center without bond. His first court appearance has not yet been scheduled.
Incident Details: September 16
The incident occurred at approximately 11:49 p.m. on September 16 near the intersection of Silver Star Road and Belco Drive, about five miles northwest of Orlando.
A probable cause affidavit states that deputies from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of an aggravated battery via motor vehicle, according to the reports.
When officers arrived, the victim was found suffering from a fractured skull, multiple brain bleeds, and other life-threatening head injuries, and was immediately transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center. He remains unable to speak due to the severity of his injuries.
Eyewitness Account
An Uber driver at the scene reportedly witnessed the entire incident and provided a statement to law enforcement. According to her account, she was stopped at a red light next to a silver Dodge Dart allegedly driven by Jones. She said the victim was crossing the street when Jones intentionally ran over him, reversing and driving over his head multiple times.
“The victim walked between [the witness’s] and the suspect’s vehicle… The suspect placed the vehicle in reverse over the victim’s head, then drove over it again,” the affidavit states.
After the attack, Jones fled westbound at a high rate of speed, prompting the witness to call 911.
Investigation and Evidence
Authorities identified Jones through traffic camera footage and executed a search warrant. A male passenger in the car told police he had been in the back seat, with Jones’s girlfriend in the front. He said they were on their way to McDonald’s when an “unknown Black male” approached the vehicle, leading to a confrontation.
Jones denied seeing the victim and claimed he had no involvement. However, investigators found that Jones’ account contradicted the statements of his passengers.
A search of Jones’ cellphone allegedly revealed a Google search at 1:30 a.m. on September 17 for “ways to cover up a hit and run”, as well as deleted messages from the time of the incident, according to court documents.
Next Steps in Legal Proceedings
Jones faces serious criminal charges in connection with the violent attack. Law enforcement continues to investigate the case and corroborate witness statements.
Officials emphasize the dangerous nature of deliberate attacks using vehicles, and the community has been urged to report any information that could aid investigators.
Do you believe stricter penalties for intentional vehicular assaults could prevent similar incidents? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let us know what steps communities should take to keep pedestrians safe on Florida roads.
