Staff Report
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – In a dramatic turn of events, Maureen Nicole Nida, aged 44, found herself behind bars after allegedly striking two vehicles and making an unsuccessful attempt to flee the scene. The incident unfolded with one of the victims pursuing Nida and ultimately assisting in trapping her vehicle behind a police patrol car.
According to a report from the Gainesville Police Department (GPD), the chain of events began around 7 p.m. on February 9. Nida was navigating a turn south from SW Archer Road onto SW 35th Boulevard when her vehicle inexplicably mounted the curb. In an apparent overcorrection, she accelerated and sideswiped a passing car. Undeterred, Nida reportedly continued south on SW 35th Boulevard, where she collided with the front of a second vehicle. Rather than stopping, she allegedly sped off into a dimly lit area behind Kohl’s, eventually making her way toward SW 34th Street. It was there, halted at a stop sign behind a GPD patrol car, that the second victim caught up and strategically positioned their car to prevent Nida from escaping further. The victim exited their vehicle to alert the officer stationed ahead of Nida.
Eyewitness accounts corroborate the sequence of events, with four individuals confirming they observed Nida’s vehicle impact the other two vehicles before racing off into the Kohl’s parking lot. They also reported hearing the distinct sound of squealing tires as she fled.
After being read her Miranda rights, Nida allegedly denied any intent to flee and claimed she was attempting to reach a safer location. However, the officer noted that she bypassed several well-lit and secure areas before finally stopping on SW 34th Street. Despite being positioned directly behind a patrol car, she failed to report the accidents, only coming to a halt 1,000 feet from the initial crash site when the victim’s vehicle and the patrol car effectively boxed her in.
As a result of her actions, Nida faces two charges of leaving the scene of a crash with property damage. Her driving record includes previous convictions for driving under the influence in 2002 and 2006. Judge Susan Miller-Jones has set her bail at $20,000.
Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
