Nassau County deputies: Sunbather injured when hit by Jeep Wrangler on beach

NASSAU COUNTY, Fla. — A woman is recovering after being run over by a Jeep while laying out at the beach.

It happened Wednesday just before 4:30 p.m. at Peters Point Beachfront Park on Amelia Island. It’s an area where cars need permits to drive on the beach unless you’re a resident.

The victim, who didn’t want to be identified, said she’s been going to that beach for years and has never had an issue.

Action News Jax Lorena Inclán saw her injuries, and there were clear tire marks on her right thigh.

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“Thank God nothing is broken. I have crush injuries on my right thigh, right calf, right knee underneath. And then my left ankle was pretty twisted up,” said the victim.

She called 9-1-1 herself after getting run over.

“I was kind of meditating, to be honest with you, and I felt a lot of pain and I sat up as the tires were going across my legs,” she said. “I’m hoping that it was completely accidental, and they had no idea they did this.”

Beach-goer Tara Workman was shocked to hear what happened.

“I mean was the person intoxicated? Did anyone else see it, get the license plate?” Workman asked.

According to the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office, the victim was 300 feet east of the beach access point which is about a football field away. Sheriff Bill Leeper said the driver was leaving the beach when it happened.

The victim’s head was toward the water. She believes that position is likely what saved her from more serious injuries or worse.

“If I was laying the opposite way, they would’ve ran over my head and my neck and chest, and not my legs,” she said.

The Jeep is described as a newer model Wrangler that was either white or light gray with a black canvas top, spare tire on the back and possibly two people inside.

Sheriff Leeper said the driver could face serious consequences.

“Leaving a crash with injuries is a third-degree felony, so there is a substantial penalty,” Leeper said .

The victim said several people witnessed her getting run over but didn’t help her. She said she later learned a couple nearby didn’t approach her because she didn’t scream so they thought she was OK.

“No one came near me until the fire rescue got there,” she said. “I’m hoping that I will bounce back from this. I’m really worried about the medical bills.”

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Anyone with information or whereabouts of the vehicle is asked to call the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office at 904-225-5174.

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Cox Media Group