A Key West man is facing multiple charges after he allegedly rammed a car at an intersection, hit the car with a bat and then fled the scene.
Lucas Cody Overcast, 39, was charged with aggravated battery, damaging property over $200 and possession of marijuana.
Around 1:00 a.m. on Friday, a group of people flagged down a Key West Police Department officer to report a hit-and-run that occurred at the intersection of Simonton and Southard streets. The group consisted of a Lyft driver and four passengers who reported that the suspect, later identified as Overcast, crashed into the back of the Lyft driver’s car while it was stopped at a red light.
According to the victims’ statements, a navy blue Ford F-250 struck their vehicle, and then proceeded to try to accelerate after the initial impact.
Overcast then exited the vehicle and proceeded to strike the car with a bat near the driver’s side rear window, although two of the victims described the weapon as potentially being a gun. In an effort to get away, the Lyft driver then ran the red light, but Overcast reportedly continued to pursue them. All five victims provided written statements that supported this narrative.
Officers were able to identify the suspected vehicle nearby and conducted a felony traffic stop. Overcast agreed to speak with officers, and stated that the incident began when he was leaving Duval Street and heading to his car.
As he got closer to his vehicle, Overcast said that he saw two Hispanic men in their 20s.
Overcast said he made a statement, although he did not clarify exactly what was said, and the two men began punching him.
Following the fight, Overcast said they all went their separate ways. He stated he wasn’t sure if a crash happened, but if it did happen, it occurred at the intersection of Duval Street and Eaton Street. He further said there may have been a crash, but he was not certain about the details.
Officers noted that the Lyft car had damage to its rear bumper, and a dark streak below the window where the victims said Overcast struck it with a bat.
Officers also documented skid marks at the intersection of Simonton and Southard.
A search of Overcast’s vehicle revealed .6 grams of marijuana, a black wooden bat and an empty firearm holster.
Overcast was taken to the Monroe County Detention Center, where he was being held without bond.
Information in the Crime Report is obtained from reports provided by area law enforcement agencies.
If you have information that could help solve a crime in the Florida Keys, call Crime Stoppers, 800-346-TIPS.