NAPLES, Fla. — One man thankful to be alive after a hit-and-run driver smashed into the bedroom of his Naples home.
Florida Highway Patrol say the driver fled from the scene of another crash moments before ramming into the home; they are still searching for the driver.
Fox 4 spoke with neighbors and the victim about this near-death experience.
“The house is all tore up, there is a big blue tarp across the front, there are pieces of the roof coming through, his power is out there is no water…it looks like the washing machine exploded, ” said neighbor Alex Ramos.
A hit and run driver smashed into John Martel’s home on 28th Place SW and 52nd St SW.
State troopers say the driver of a Ford F-150 pick-up truck first struck a car on Golden Gate Parkway and sped away, before crashing into the home.
The suspect managed to get away on foot leaving the truck behind.
Neighbors say it was just after 1 am when they heard a loud bang and rushed outside.
“We were scared last night. We were in bed already and we heard a big noise...when I came out of my house I didn’t see anything because the car was I guess inside the house, ” said a neighbor.
67-year old John Martel, was sound asleep when the truck smashed into his garage and bedroom.
“Oh god, I’m so heartbroken it’s pathetic, ” said John Martel.
Martel says he was trapped under debris and started to panic as the ceilings began to cave in.
“Could have had a 2x4 hit me right in the head and kill me, ” said John Martel.
Neighbors called 911 and he was transported to North Collier Hospital.
Doctors say it is amazing he was able to walk away with just a few cuts and bruises.
“I should be alright, give it some time to heal up. They (doctors) said I was very lucky, ” John Martel.
Martel says this isn’t the first time someone has crashed into his home, the last time was 15 years ago.
Neighbors say cars are always speeding, they say it gets worse at night because there are no streetlights.
“It is not safe, ” said one neighbor.
“It is really dark, and the cars sometimes they come from that way really really fast,” said another neighbor.
This crash is still an open investigation, if you know something that could lead to the driver's arrest you are encouraged to call Crime Stoppers 1-800-780-TIPS (8477).
