Chaos erupts as man drives through store aisles, injuring 6 people, FL cops say

A man accused of intentionally driving into a Florida storefront put six people in the hospital, including some with “traumatic injuries,” according to investigators.

It happened around 10:45 a.m. Thursday, April 10, at the St. Matthew’s House Boutique Thrift Store in the East Naples area, and investigators have yet to reveal a motive.

“The suspect, 42-year-old Donald Peyton-Lee Russell Jr. of Naples intentionally drove his 2024 black Honda sedan into the storefront, striking multiple victims,” the Collier County Sheriff’s Office reported in an April 10 news release.

“The vehicle entered the building from the north, traveling through the plate glass windows to nearly the south wall of the building. ... A total of six people were injured in the crash and transported to area hospitals. Three of the victims sustained traumatic injuries.”

Video shared by UC Breaking News shows the car came to a stop on the other side of the store, with merchandise piled up in front of it.

Investigators say the driver was “swiftly” apprehended, as first responders were searching the debris for victims and treating injuries.

Identities of the six victims and details of their injuries have not been released.

Russell was injured in the crash and taken to a hospital “for evaluation and treatment,” officials said.

He was arrested after being discharged and faces “three counts of aggravated battery causing great bodily harm and three counts of aggravated battery using a deadly weapon (his vehicle) and criminal mischief over $1,000,” officials said.

The thrift store is part of a nonprofit operation that invests sales profits in finding “innovative solutions to fight homelessness, hunger, substance abuse, and poverty in Southwest Florida,” according to its website. The store opens at 9 a.m., according to Yelp.

“Our deputies, along with fire, EMS and law enforcement crews, responded with urgency and professionalism,” Collier County Sheriff Kevin Rambosk said in the release. “Their actions not only prevented further harm, but also helped bring calm to a chaotic situation.”

East Naples is about a 125-mile drive northwest of Miami.

This story was originally published April 11, 2025 at 7:31 AM with the headline "Chaos erupts as man drives through store aisles, injuring 6 people, FL cops say."