Winter Haven PD looking for hit and run driver

Search for Winter Haven hit-and-run driver

FOX 13's Evan Axelbank reports on Winter Haven Police's ongoing search for the driver of a Jeep that crashed into a parked car on a residential street, and the video from a nearby house shows the moment the crash happened.

WINTER HAVEN, Fla. - Winter Haven Police are looking for the driver of a Jeep that crashed into a parked car on a residential street.

Video from a nearby house shows the moment that Chazmia Morrison, a young mother, had her life turned upside down.

Morrison now has no means of transportation after police say a driver plowed a Jeep into her car as it sat outside her home and took off, according to police.

"Everyone fell to the ground. We were so afraid," Morrison said. "We didn't know what happened. It sounded like a really big explosion."

Winter Haven hit-and-run crash

Police in Winter Haven are searching for the driver of a Jeep caught on camera slamming into a woman’s car, leaving her and her kids without transportation.

Morrison works as a traveling nail tech and had just parked her car to go into a client's home.

About 20 minutes later, she came out to find her damaged car and the culprit driving off.

"Every chance I get because it's the holidays, I've been picking up nail appointments," Morrison said. "I literally was just trying to make some more money for my kids."

Winter Haven police are searching for the driver of the Jeep, which they describe as a late-model Jeep Gladiator with large wheels, what appears to be a lifted suspension and changing-color neon lights under the frame.

Video shows the Jeep coming down Lake Smart Circle in Winter Haven on Dec. 5, 2024, shortly before 10:45 p.m. and slamming into the sedan as it was lawfully parked along the street. Officers say it caused significant damage to the parked vehicle.

READ: Florida woman busted for speeding in school zone bites deputy after drugs found in car: PCSO

Image 1 of 3

▼

The young mother's car after the hit-and-run.

There is a close community of Jeep lovers in Winter Haven, so they're hoping someone will recognize it and let them know who the driver might be.

"What if that happened to you?" said Jamie Brown of Winter Haven Police. "What if your vehicle was on the side of the street, and somebody just barreled around and basically totaled your vehicle and left without even letting you know and trying to help? How would you feel?"

While insurance takes care of its business, Morrison says she's forced to rely on Lyft to get to her job and nail appointments and even take her kids where they must be.

Whoever did this, Morrison says, shouldn't be allowed to get away from the justice they deserve.

"If you have any conscience and Christmas spirit, you will want to help bring these people to justice and put a smile on my kid's face," Morrison said.

Winter Haven police stated, "Somebody knows something. Maybe somebody who works at a body shop? Lives in this neighborhood and had a visitor on Dec. 5 that drives a Jeep Gladiator? Have a neighbor with a Jeep Gladiator with changing-color neon lights that suddenly had damage (or maybe the Jeep disappeared for a while?)"

Winter Haven police are searching for the driver of a Jeep seen on camera slamming into a parked car and taking off. Image is courtesy of the Winter Haven Police Department.

READ: Lake Wales teacher accused of breaking into ex-girlfriend’s home, strangling her new boyfriend: PCSO

Anyone with information on the hit-and-run crash is asked to call the Winter Haven Police Department at 863-401-2256.

Those wishing to remain anonymous should contact Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-888-400-TIPS (8477), or **TIPS on a cell phone. Tipsters can also visit www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on "Submit A Tip" or download the free "P3tips" app on your smartphone or tablet.

STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: