On a routine Tuesday walk in Orange County, a quick dash may have saved James Thompson's life. Thompson says a driver tried more than once to run him down as he crossed the road, and he told reporters he "thought he could die" while scrambling out of the vehicle's path. Authorities later arrested Marcus Williams in connection with the incident, according to initial local reporting.
What police and the pedestrian say
Speaking with Fox 35 Orlando, Thompson described the driver as "angry" and said he kept trying to dodge the car as it came at him. The station reported that authorities arrested Marcus Williams on allegations that he tried multiple times to hit Thompson with his vehicle. The July 7 video piece includes Thompson's on-camera account and a confirmation from law enforcement that an arrest occurred.
A statewide safety picture
Florida's broader pedestrian safety record does not exactly inspire confidence. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reports that the state recorded 12,223 pedestrian crashes in 2024 and 706 pedestrian deaths that year, figures that officials say highlight just how risky it can be to travel on foot in the state. In an October pedestrian-safety release, the agency urged both drivers and walkers to stick to crosswalks, put the phones away, and stay visible at night. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles published the numbers as part of its safety campaign.
Not the first time a vehicle was used as a weapon
Using a car as a weapon is not a new storyline in Orange County. In November 2025, deputies arrested an 18-year-old after investigators said he intentionally hit a man and then ran over the victim's body several times. That case led to attempted murder allegations and drew heavy local coverage. Outlets, including ClickOrlando, detailed the arrest and information from the sheriff's office affidavit.
Legal questions
As noted by Fox 35 Orlando, an arrest has been made in the latest incident, although the outlet did not list formal charges at the time of publication. Prosecutors will decide what charges to file after they review the investigative file. Under Florida law, leaving the scene of a crash that causes injury or death is a felony, and the state can seek enhanced penalties for aggravated fleeing that results in serious injury or death. Those provisions can be combined with violent crime counts if the evidence supports them. The crash reporting rules and penalties are laid out in Florida Statutes, Chapter 316.
Witnesses and tips
To figure out exactly what happened on that Tuesday, investigators are leaning on witness statements and any available video. If you saw the confrontation or caught it on camera, local tip lines can help route what you know to detectives. Central Florida Crimeline, which forwards tips to the Orange County Sheriff's Office, accepts anonymous information at 800-423-TIPS. Readers can find tip submission options and contact details on the Central Florida Crimeline site and can look for case updates on the sheriff's official channels.
