Case Summary
- Case Type
- Homicide
- Incident Date
- May 9
- Location
- Davis Parkway and Northwest Sixth Avenue, Florida City, FL
- Investigating Agency
- WSVN Miami
- Suspect
- Tangela Wright
- Suspect Age
- 51
- Victim Count
- 2
- Charges
- attempted murder
- Arrest Status
- arrested
- Court Status
- not released
- Case Status
- active
A 51-year-old woman identified as Tangela Wright was arrested and charged with attempted murder in Florida City following an incident on May 9 where police say she intentionally targeted pedestrians in a crosswalk with her vehicle.
The incident unfolded in the city of Florida City, Florida, specifically at the intersection of Davis Parkway and Northwest Sixth Avenue, according to local authorities and reports from news station WSVN Miami.
Incident Overview
According to police statements and surveillance footage obtained during the investigation, the suspect was operating a white Chevrolet Impala approaching an intersection on May 9. Authorities stated that the driver made a minimal stop before executing a left turn and accelerating directly toward a couple walking through a crosswalk. The vehicle plowed into the male pedestrian, while the female companion accompanying him managed to avoid being struck and sustained no injuries.
Following the collision, investigators interviewed the driver, who maintained that the collision was purely an accident. However, law enforcement officials reviewing the exclusive surveillance footage concluded that the actions were targeted at the individuals crossing the street.
Suspect Information
The suspect in this case is 51-year-old Tangela Wright. According to authorities, Wright was driving a white Chevrolet Impala at the time of the incident. While Wright told investigators that the collision was an accident, police arrested her on two counts of attempted murder based on video evidence and witness observations.
Victim Information
The victims involved in the incident included a man and a woman walking together through a crosswalk at the intersection of Davis Parkway and Northwest Sixth Avenue. The male pedestrian was struck by the vehicle driven by the suspect and sustained injuries. The female pedestrian was not injured in the encounter. Neither victim has been publicly named by authorities in the available reports.
Police Response
Law enforcement and responding units arrived to investigate the scene after the collision occurred. Investigators secured exclusive surveillance footage from the area, which police utilized to analyze the trajectory and speed of the white Chevrolet Impala prior to the impact.
Investigation
The investigation into the collision was conducted by local law enforcement officers in Florida City, with media reporting provided by WSVN Miami. Investigators reviewed video evidence showing the vehicle making a minimal stop, turning left, and accelerating toward the pedestrians in the crosswalk to determine the intent behind the crash.
Evidence Collected
- Exclusive surveillance video capturing the white Chevrolet Impala approaching the intersection
- Visual data showing the vehicle making a minimal stop before a left turn
- Video footage documenting the vehicle accelerating toward the crosswalk and striking the male pedestrian
Arrest Details
Tangela Wright was taken into custody following the May 9 incident. Authorities formally charged her with two counts of attempted murder in connection with the vehicle collision at the Florida City intersection.
Charges Filed
- Attempted Murder: A serious criminal charge alleging an intentional act taken with the intent to cause the death of another person. In jurisdictions across the United States, attempted murder is typically classified as a felony offense carrying severe statutory penalties, including lengthy prison sentences, heavy fines, and mandatory periods of supervised release upon conviction. The defendant faces two counts of this charge.
Court Information
Specific court names, docket numbers, and immediate future hearing dates were not released in the initial reports provided by authorities.
Statements from Authorities
According to law enforcement officials, surveillance video shows a white Chevrolet Impala, driven by Wright, plowing into a man that was walking in the crosswalk at the intersection of Davis Parkway and Northwest Sixth Avenue. Police stated that Wright made a minimal stop as she approached the intersection before making a left turn and accelerating toward a couple that was crossing the street through the crosswalk. The suspect has told investigators it was an accident.
Public Safety Information
Pedestrian safety and traffic laws require drivers to yield the right of way to individuals crossing roadways in marked crosswalks. Authorities urge motorists to exercise caution, maintain situational awareness, and obey all traffic control devices. Anyone experiencing an emergency or witnessing a violent crime is encouraged to call 911 immediately. For individuals seeking help or support related to crisis situations, the national crisis lifeline is available at 988.
What Happens Next
Following an arrest and the filing of felony charges, the case typically moves through the judicial system with an arraignment where the defendant is formally informed of the charges and enters a plea. Subsequent proceedings may include preliminary hearings, pre-trial conferences, and potentially a trial, during which prosecutors must prove the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt while the defense presents its case.
