Inset: Glenn Stuart Hartman (PBCSO). Background: The farmers market in Delray Beach where Hartman allegedly tried to strike a random pedestrian with his vehicle (Google Maps).
A 73-year-old Florida man allegedly drove into a pedestrian at a Delray Beach farmers market after positioning his vehicle and waiting for “any individual” to walk in front of it, authorities said.
Glenn Hartman was arrested and charged with one felony count involving an act committed during another felony that could result in death, according to court records.
Delray Beach police responded Sept. 13 to the parking lot of the Boys Farmers Market after receiving a report that a pedestrian had been hit by a vehicle, according to a probable cause affidavit.
First responders found the victim sitting on a curb near the northern end of the lot. Officers observed an injury to the lower portion of his left leg, around the ankle and shin.
The man told investigators he had parked on the west side of the property and was walking toward the market entrance when a white vehicle appeared to deliberately turn toward him. He said he managed to push away from the car, which struck only his lower left leg.
Investigators later met with Hartman at Delray Medical Center, where he was receiving treatment. After police read him his Miranda rights, Hartman allegedly gave a sworn statement admitting that he intentionally struck the victim. Authorities said the statement was captured on body-camera video.
“Hartman stated that he woke up depressed and for the first time, wanted to hurt someone other than himself,” the affidavit says. “He then drove to the Boys Farmers Market, backed in and waited for someone to walk in front of his vehicle. Hartman was asked if he went to shop at the market by [the detective] and he stated that he was not there to shop.”
Hartman allegedly told investigators that after seeing the victim “pass in front of him, he stepped on the gas.”
The affidavit says Hartman was placed under a Baker Act hold by an emergency-room physician before officers arrived at the hospital. The doctor reportedly acted after Hartman spontaneously said “he had driven to the Boys Market to target any individual due to homicidal thoughts.” Under Florida’s Baker Act, a person believed to have a mental illness and pose a possible danger to themselves or others may be held for involuntary psychiatric evaluation for up to 72 hours.
The affidavit does not elaborate on Hartman’s alleged homicidal thoughts or say whether he had any specific target besides the pedestrian who was struck.
Hartman was booked into the Palm Beach County Jail, where he remains held without bond. Court records show that his next hearing is scheduled for Oct. 13.
The post Man allegedly waited at farmers market for ‘any individual’ to walk in front of his car, then ‘stepped on the gas’: Police first appeared on Law & Crime.
