Florida Driver Detained for Alleged Assault on LGBTQ Runners

Authorities have apprehended a driver in West Palm Beach, Florida, following accusations of attempting to ram members of an LGBTQ running club with his vehicle at a local park.

The suspect, identified as 43-year-old Ihab Mustafa El Mahmoud, allegedly tried to hit the runners by repeatedly driving his Ford Bronco recklessly at them before fleeing the scene, according to the police report.

Responding officers arrived at the park around 8:20 p.m. to find members of an LGBTQIA+ running club who claimed an individual had deliberately attempted to run them over with his SUV.

Eyewitnesses recounted that El Mahmoud accelerated aggressively towards the runners, swerved through sidewalks and grassy areas, and sped up an embankment, making an escape eastward.

Further inquiries revealed El Mahmoud's agitation stemmed from a perceived slight from one of the male runners, which allegedly provoked his erratic actions.

Incident Details

The group known as Night Runners WPB, which organizes regular running meet-ups on Mondays and Thursdays, was the target of this harrowing event. Rudolph Galindo, a long-time club member, noted that El Mahmoud seemed irritated after a brief interaction.

As Galindo conversed with others, he noticed El Mahmoud rapidly reversing his vehicle towards him in the parking lot, describing the ordeal as deeply distressing.

In response, Galindo alerted about 40 fellow runners to seek safety, with many taking cover behind nearby trees.

Galindo estimated that the vehicle's speed ranged between 60 to 80 mph, emphasizing the potential danger.

Aftermath and Charges

In an effort to ensure safety, the club is now working to reassure members about their participation in future runs. Following the terrifying episode, police tracked down El Mahmoud as he attempted to dismantle his SUV's license plate in a nearby parking garage.

He faces charges of aggravated assault with intent to commit a felony and reckless driving. There's also the possibility of an additional hate crime charge as authorities contemplate enhancing the charges under Florida's statutes. A court date is set for Wednesday, although details of his defense representative remain unknown.