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JSO: Man wrecks multiple cars trying to drive family to Regency's free food event

STORY: Human remains wash up on Ponte Vedra Beach 

A man was arrested after Jacksonville police said he hit several vehicles in the Regency Square Mall parking lot and then fled the scene. 

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said the officers responded around 6:45 a.m. Sunday and found several damaged vehicles.

The man responsible has not been identified, but police said he's in his early 20s.

JSO said he doesn't have a driver’s license.

According to investigators, the suspect was dropping off a family member at the Food for Florida food assistance program when he backed into a car.

JSO's Steve Mullen said the man tried to flee and, in doing so, crashed into four other vehicles.

Some of the vehicles sustained significant damage and had to be towed away.

At the time of the incident, thousands of people were waiting in line for the food assistance program.

Mullen said no one was injured.

After crashing into the vehicles, the suspect ditched the car and ran.

“One citizen chased him, but he wasn't able to keep up,” Mullen said.

The JSO said officers captured the man at the Walmart, about a half-mile away.

He was discovered when called 911 looking for assistance. 

“He didn't have any injuries that rescue could find,” Mullen said. “I believe he was maybe scared, maybe he felt like he had an injury.”

Officers said the man changed his story several times, but the truth came out when they confronted him with surveillance cameras.

Family members told police they were furious the man was driving.

“They said he shouldn't be driving, doesn't know how to drive, which is evidenced here by the carnage in the parking lot,” Mullen said.

The suspect is charged with five counts of hit and run-and-run, driving without a license and careless driving.

Cox Media Group

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