Driver caught on camera smacking car wash’s wall in Lehigh Acres

The owner of a gas station is expressing his concern about a driver who was caught on camera backing up and hitting the side of a drive-thru car wash in Lehigh Acres, causing parts of the wall to fall down.

Lee County deputies are now looking for the driver that went to the Mobil Gas Station on Joel Boulevard Sunday evening.

For the time being, it’s unclear if the driver acted intentionally, but the owner of the Mobil Gas Station said he has reason to believe it’s possible.

“I hope it’s not going to collapse. That’s the biggest fear,” said the owner, who chose to remain anonymous.

A security camera caught a man parking his truck, towing a trailer inside the car wash at about 5:30 p.m. on Sunday to keep it out of the rain. Then, he went into the store, where the owner said he tried buying something requiring identification.

“I believe [it] was a tobacco product,” said the store owner.

However, the clerk said he didn’t have an ID.

“Transaction didn’t go through, so he left,” said the store owner, “a little bit angrier.”

Cameras show the man walking back into his truck, where he pulled out of the car wash and seems to get stuck. Then the driver repeatedly maneuvered back and forth before ramming into the side of the wall in the process.

“Back and forth, he was trying to get out,” said the gas station owner.

Eventually, after getting out, the video shows the truck leaving without stopping to check the damage. The gas station owner said he is now left to pick up the pieces.

“Nobody’s gonna feel good about this kind of damage in your property,” said the owner.

He said money is tight, and if engineers rule the damage as structural, he’s worried about how much that might cost to repair, so he’s hoping that someone will recognize the truck and call LCSO.

“Hopefully, somebody will come up,” said the store owner, “just come forward and do the right thing. Come forward and give us some more info about this guy.”

You could see in the video that the driver was so quick to leave he nearly hit another car in the process.

The station owner told WINK News he’s worried about anyone who drives recklessly on the road.

Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers will offer a reward to anyone who can provide information about this driver. If you have any information, you can submit a tip to Crime Stoppers by clicking here or calling 1-800-780-TIPS. Remember, you can remain anonymous and still be eligible for the reward.