FORT MYERS, Fla. — Two women were arrested Sunday in Fort Myers after allegedly stealing a vehicle and leading police on a dangerous DUI chase that endangered a 5-month-old child.
The Fort Myers Police Department reported that officers responded at 5:43 p.m. to a call about a stolen red Ford Edge taken from a home. The victim said she had left the only keys inside the vehicle overnight.
Officers spotted the SUV traveling east on Victoria Avenue at 7:16 p.m. and attempted a traffic stop. The vehicle initially appeared to pull over but then drove erratically, prompting a pursuit. During the chase, the front passenger, Colleen Bailey, 33, jumped out, fell while fleeing, and was apprehended by officers.
The driver, Raven Coleman, 21, continued driving recklessly, running multiple stop signs and eventually crashing at Fowler Street and Dora Street, damaging a brick wall and bollards at a nearby business.
Authorities discovered a 5-month-old child inside the SUV, improperly restrained and ejected from the car seat onto the rear passenger floorboard. The child was attended to at the scene and transported to Golisano Children’s Hospital.
Bailey reportedly provided a false name and claimed the child was not hers, both of which were later disproven. She faces charges including probation violation, resisting officers without violence, child neglect, and giving a false ID.
Coleman faces multiple charges including operating a vehicle without a license, grand theft auto, DUI with a child in the vehicle, fleeing police, child neglect, and DUI causing property damage. Officers found her under the influence of narcotics, with an open bottle of Don Julio tequila in the car.
Community members expressed shock and concern over the incident. Christian Risinger said, “It’s really heartbreaking that something like that should never happen.” Angela Fischler added, “To endanger your child like that… it’s horrifying.”
Authorities remind the public to lock vehicles and secure children safely, emphasizing the severe risks of reckless driving and DUI.
