76-year-old purposely hit Flagler construction worker with Porsche, deputies say

Donald Steimle faces charge of aggravated battery with deadly weapon

Donald Steimle, 76 (Copyright 2022 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.)

FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – A 76-year-old driver faces charges after he purposely hit a construction worker who was directing traffic, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.

Donald Steimle, of Ocala, was arrested Thursday in Palm Coast.

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Deputies said the victim was directing traffic on Camino Del Mar Parkway in an area where the road was down to one lane due to road paving.

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Steimle drove his Porsche Cayenne into the single lane of traffic when it was not his turn and the victim jumped in front of the SUV to prevent a head-on crash, the release said.

Steimle started screaming at the victim before revving his engine, causing the SUV to lurch forward and hit the victim in the leg, deputies said.

The victim was not badly hurt, but he moved out of the SUV’s path and Steimle drove off, officials said.

The victim was able to get a photo of the license plate, and deputies said they were able to track the vehicle to a home on San Marco Court in Palm Coast. When questioned, Steimle denied hitting the construction, body camera video of the arrest shows.

See body camera video of the arrest in the media player below:

Steimle faces a charge of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.


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About the Author:

Thomas Mates is a digital storyteller for News 6 and ClickOrlando.com. He also produces the podcast Florida Foodie. Thomas is originally from Northeastern Pennsylvania and worked in Portland, Oregon before moving to Central Florida in August 2018. He graduated from Temple University with a degree in Journalism in 2010.

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