Police Question If Homeless Woman Hit By Car Was Targeted
FT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) - Hollywood Police are trying to figure out if a woman who was run over outside a homeless shelter was targeted.
Investigators said they located and recovered the vehicle which was involved in the incident in Hollywood.
According to police, they found a 2006 Chevrolet Pickup Truck with the tag number "CGWD57."
But the driver who critically injured the homeless woman, Lisa Soloman, has not been caught
The Homeless Voice's Sean Cononie said Soloman was sitting outside the shelter at 1203 Federal Highway having a cigarette and talking with a man when the truck sped past them into the parking lot on Monday, May 19th.
On the surveillance video from the shelter, they saw the truck go into the parking lot. A few seconds later they're seen scrambling to get out of the way because the driver had thrown it in reverse and was aiming right for them. As the man tries to get past the woman to safety, he accidentally pushes and she falls to the ground.
Billy McClain is seen in the surveillance video. To his horror, McClain said the driver backed up straight into their path. He said he tried to push Soloman out of the way.
"But she fell. It messed me up. I never seen anything like that," said McClain.
Soloman, 52, was able to get up but was struck as she tried to get out of the way. She was taken to Memorial Regional Hospital.
Cononie, who rushed to help, suspects the driver was trying to intentionally hit the woman and the man.
"I think there's a good possibility she knew him," said Cononie.
He says tips have been pouring in since he released the surveillance video.
"They are saying they know the truck and driver. We are giving that information to the police. Hopefully, they will take him into custody," said Cononie.
Other clients are disturbed about what happened.
"People are always sitting there--its dangerous," said Steve Dickey.
Hollywood police spokesman Lt. Derek Alexander said this was initially reported as an aggravated assault and they are in initial stages of their investigation. They should know more after they are able to speak to the woman in the hospital and others who may have witnessed what happened.
Anyone with information is urged to call Broward Crimestoppers at 954- 493-TIPS.
