A 73-year-old Delray Beach man is accused of intentionally driving into a pedestrian at a farmers market after telling investigators he had awakened depressed and wanted to hurt someone other than himself, according to police and court records cited in local news reports. Glenn Stuart Hartman was arrested Sept. 13 and faces a felony charge in connection with the incident at The Boy’s Farmers Market on South Military Trail.
Police were called about 12:16 p.m. that day to the market at 14378 S. Military Trail for what was initially reported as a vehicle-versus-pedestrian crash, according to CBS12. Investigators say Hartman drove to the market, waited for a pedestrian to pass in front of his vehicle and then accelerated, a detail attributed to court records. The station reports Hartman is charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. Under Florida law, the offense includes intentionally or knowingly causing great bodily harm, permanent disability or disfigurement, or using a deadly weapon, and is classified as a second-degree felony.
Pedestrian Pushed Off the Car as It Struck Him
The pedestrian suffered injuries to his lower left leg and hand, according to Delray Beach police, as detailed by WPBF. Boca News Now reported that the pedestrian pushed away from the vehicle, injuring his hand, while the car struck his lower leg near the ankle and shin. The reports said no one was seriously injured.
Hartman allegedly told police he stepped on the gas as the pedestrian passed in front of his vehicle, according to the station's report. After Hartman reported homicidal thoughts and said he intended to target someone, an emergency-room doctor placed him under Florida's Baker Act, according to court records cited by CBS12.
Crisis resources and traffic-safety context
For people facing a mental-health crisis in Palm Beach County, NAMI Palm Beach County says help is available 24/7 by dialing 211 or texting a ZIP code to 898211. The Southeast Florida Behavioral Health Network says Palm Beach County mobile response teams provide free, 24/7 crisis assessment, referrals and support through 211.
The Palm Beach County Safety Action Plan records 712 fatal crashes and 2,480 serious-injury crashes on county- and state-maintained roads from 2019 through 2023. It identifies South Military Trail as a priority corridor and reports 75 crashes resulting in death or serious injury there during that period, including seven fatalities. Those figures concern the corridor generally and do not establish the cause of the alleged market incident.
A Nearby Shopper's Close Call
A market shopper identified by WPBF as Lynne told the station that Hartman's vehicle also struck her parked car, pushing it over a cement parking block. She said she and her husband had arrived earlier that morning and were still inside the market when the impact occurred.
Lynne told WPBF that she initially thought Hartman had suffered a medical emergency. She later said the incident underscored the need for a stronger response to mental-health crises.
Custody Status and Court Timeline Disputed
Hartman is being held in the Palm Beach County Jail, and accounts of his custody status differ. WPBF reports that a judge ordered Hartman held on a $75,000 bond and required him to follow all recommended treatment if he is released. But Law&Crime reports that Hartman was being held without bond, with his next court appearance scheduled for Oct. 13. WPBF additionally reports that Hartman refused his first court appearance and was scheduled to appear during the week of Sept. 14.
