Inset: Daniel Coman (Orange County Jail). Background: Coman allegedly punches a motorist who stopped to help after an accident (Hans Hamilton via WOFL).
A Florida man’s attempt to assist a stranded motorist on the highway took an unexpected and violent turn, leading to an altercation with both the driver and local authorities, as reported by law enforcement.
Daniel Coman, aged 44, has been charged with battery, criminal mischief, and assault on a police officer following the incident. According to an arrest affidavit from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the events unfolded on the morning of March 30, just before 10 a.m., when deputies responded to a vehicle crash on State Road 429, near Seidel Road in Winter Garden, a suburb of Orlando.
Upon their arrival, deputies discovered a white Lexus that had collided with a guardrail. Nearby stood Hans Hamilton, close to his Tesla, who alleged that Coman had attacked him when he attempted to offer assistance.
The affidavit describes Coman as “visibly angry and agitated” during the encounter.
“Daniel was yelling at Hans and calling him derogatory names,” the affidavit noted. “When I attempted to intervene, Daniel shouted at me to back off in a hostile manner, demanding I leave him alone immediately.”
In a further escalation, Coman allegedly attempted to shove and punch the responding deputy. The officer managed to subdue Coman by taking him to the ground, yet Coman continued to resist. With the help of Hamilton and another witness, the officers were able to handcuff Coman. As Coman was being escorted to the patrol car, he allegedly grabbed another officer inappropriately and began kicking a third officer, according to the reports.
Hamilton explained he was driving by when he saw the crashed Lexus and pulled over to see if he could help. The victim said Coman hopped onto the hood of his Tesla and started banging and stomping his feet, per cops. Coman then allegedly attacked Hamilton, striking him at least 15 times. Hamilton complained of “extreme pain” to his side and also suffered from lacerations and bruising to his face.
The Tesla had a busted windshield and dents on the hood and roof, per cops.
Hamilton spoke with local Fox affiliate WOFL about the attack.
Coman yelled “I’m going to kill you! I’m going to kill you! And I believed him,” Hamilton told the outlet. “His eyes were demonic, like a monster.”
Hamilton felt scared for his life.
“I fought with everything I had … everything I had to make sure that I was not going to see the roadside for my last view,” he said.
The suspect remained in the Orange County Jail on a $5,000 bond as of Monday afternoon.
