MASCOTTE, Fla. – A routine stop at a tire shop turned into a life-or-death moment.
A Mascotte woman is now on life support after jumping on the hood of a car—trying to stop a customer from driving off without paying.
This is surveillance video of the terrifying moments before Ashley Tyer ends up on the hood of a car, trying to stop a customer from stealing tires from her shop, Just Stop Tires in Mascotte on Monday.
Her coworker says the situation quickly escalated after a dispute over payment.
“It’s something I see every day now. I see the look on her face, trying to tell her to breathe—with no response. It’s probably one of the worst feelings in the world,” said James Kelly, Tyer’s coworker.
Kelly says he had just finished installing used tires when the customer refused to pay the full price, offering just $95, less than what Tyer had quoted.
“In the process of us walking back to the shop—where the customer was supposed to come in to pay—he ended up lowering the jack, getting in the car, and driving away,” he said.
The video shows the driver nearly hitting another employee as he speeds off.
Moments later, his car stalls near the street—and that’s when Tyer ends up on the hood.
“He should’ve known—once she was on the hood of that car—not to do that. There’s no way he could’ve been in fear of his life. He has to be held accountable,” said Kelly
Kelly says the driver went about half a block before turning a corner—sending Tyer flying from the vehicle.
Now, she remains on life support, recovering from serious injuries.
Back at the shop, her coworkers are holding onto hope—and honoring her in their own way.
“This tire has been sitting on the side of the building for a while. Ashley decided to take it out here and paint it,” said Kelly.
They say Tyer is the heart and soul of the business—and her impact is being felt every day.
“She is tougher than nails—and she would outwork most men. I know she cared about this place more than the owner,” said Kelly.
The shop’s owner says they’re now planning a barbecue benefit in Tyer’s honor, set for Saturday, March 28 at 1 p.m. at the shop on West Myers Boulevard.
The family has also set up a GoFundMe to help with medical expenses.
Officials with Mascotte police have been contacted but have not yet responded.