A Florida man is facing multiple criminal charges after authorities alleged he intentionally drove his SUV toward an 11-year-old riding an e-bike and later smashed the child’s iPhone during a confrontation. The incident occurred in Windermere, Florida, and remains under investigation. The defendant has denied wrongdoing through his attorney, who argues that the allegations present an incomplete picture of the events.
Incident
According to an arrest affidavit obtained by local media, Orange County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to reports of a crash in a Windermere neighborhood on Wednesday afternoon.
Police said the 11-year-old told investigators that Gregory Hoole, 44, drove his Ford Explorer through a stop sign while turning into an intersection and entered the opposite lane toward him.
The boy reportedly avoided a more serious collision by jumping into the grass, but investigators allege the SUV struck his leg and his e-bike.
Recording
After the encounter, the child reportedly began recording the incident with his iPhone and told Hoole he intended to call the police.
According to the affidavit, Hoole allegedly struck the boy’s arm, took the phone, and threw it onto the ground, damaging it.
Investigators later included the damaged phone among the evidence supporting the criminal mischief charge.
Charges
Authorities arrested Hoole and charged him with:
| Charge | Description |
|---|---|
| Aggravated assault with a motor vehicle | Allegedly driving toward the child |
| Child abuse | Related to the alleged confrontation |
| Criminal mischief | Allegedly destroying the child’s phone |
Hoole was booked into the Orange County Jail following his arrest.
Claims
After leaving the scene, Hoole called 911 and reported what he described as a “strong-arm robbery.”
According to investigators, he told officers that the 11-year-old and two other juveniles had been harassing his family. Hoole claimed the children repeatedly rang his doorbell before leaving, frightening members of his household.
Police said doorbell camera footage showed a boy matching the alleged victim’s description approaching the front door before walking back to his e-bike.
Hoole also acknowledged driving over to confront the children about the alleged harassment.
Evidence
According to investigators, surveillance footage from a nearby residence captured the confrontation.
Police allege the video shows Hoole driving toward the child before bringing the SUV to an abrupt stop.
Authorities cited the surveillance footage as part of the evidence supporting the charges.
Defense
Hoole’s attorney, Andrew Darling, disputed the allegations during a court hearing.
According to local reports, Darling argued there was no visible damage to either the child’s e-bike or Hoole’s SUV after the alleged collision.
He also said the charges presented a “misleading characterization” of what occurred.
The attorney further stated that the child and his friends had previously been involved in incidents involving fireworks near Hoole’s home around the July 4 holiday.
Court
During Hoole’s initial court appearance, a judge set his bond at $7,650.
The court also ordered him not to drive through the intersection where the incident allegedly occurred and prohibited him from having contact with the child or the child’s family while the case is pending.
As of the latest reports, no future court date had been publicly scheduled.
Investigation
The case remains active, and authorities have not announced any additional charges.
As the legal proceedings continue, the allegations outlined in the arrest affidavit have not yet been tested in court, and Hoole is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
FAQs
Where did the incident happen?
It occurred in Windermere, Florida.
What charges does Gregory Hoole face?
Assault, child abuse, and criminal mischief.
Why did Hoole confront the boy?
He alleged the children harassed his family.
What happened to the child’s phone?
Police say it was allegedly smashed.
Has the case been decided?
No. The criminal case is still pending.
