Resident asks for public’s help finding driver involved in hit-and-run accident
A Cape Coral man is hoping authorities can locate a driver in a recent hit-and-run accident.
At about 12:30 a.m., Saturday, July 13, a 2005 Ford van was traveling south on Burnt Store Road and approaching the intersection at Embers Parkway. A white pickup truck headed west on Embers stopped at the stop sign at Burnt Store then proceeded forward, pulling out in front of the Ford van.
There is no stop sign for Burnt Store traffic and the posted speed limit is 45 mph.
According to a police report, the Ford swerved off the side of the road to avoid a collision. The front bumper of the truck still struck the driver’s side rear panel of the van, causing the Ford to spin out.
The truck reportedly stopped “for a second” after the crash, then drove away from the scene.
Jason Hamann, 58, of 506 S.E. 28th Terrace, was riding in the van, along with his granddaughter, Marissa Kimsey, 18, of North Fort Myers. Hamann’s wife, Sharon, was driving the Ford at the time.
“We were like in a ‘Wizard of Oz’ spin down Burnt Store Road,” he said, describing the accident.
No injuries were reported, and all three present refused medical attention.
The van, which was converted to be wheelchair accessible, was towed from the scene.
Hamann has multiple sclerosis, and the Ford had a lift for his wheelchair, swivel seat and more.
“It’s not just a simple van,” he said.
His insurance initially wanted to total the vehicle, until it learned that it was a conversion.
“They’re going to try to fix the car,” Hamann said, adding that it needs new axles.
“It’s going to be a month before I get back on the road,” he said.
As of Friday, he had not been given a dollar amount for the total damages.
Hamann has insurance, but there is a $1,000 deductible.
He noted that he has a limited income, is disabled and lives off Social Security.
“This is really a very hard thing to accept, that somebody would hit me and leave me like that,” Hamann said.
“We all depend on stop signs and red lights and think that people are going to adhere to them,” he added. “The stress of the accident was devastating for me.”
Hamann hopes anyone with information contacts police.
“I would like to see this person taken off the road,” he said.
“I just hope someone has a soul and they step forward,” Hamann added.
According to the police report, the driver of the truck was found at fault at the accident. No citation could be issues due to the lack of information for the driver of the pickup.