A Good Samaritan attempting to assist a motorist in Orange County, Florida, was brutally assaulted on Friday morning. The incident occurred around 8:51 a.m. on the 429 Expressway in close proximity to the Walt Disney World resort area.
Hans Hamilton was driving his Tesla northbound when he observed a white Lexus that had collided with a guard rail. The driver of the Lexus, identified by authorities as 44-year-old Daniel Coman, reportedly stumbled out of his vehicle and collapsed onto the grass nearby.
When Hamilton pulled over to offer assistance, dash cam footage captured Coman suddenly jumping up and charging toward him. Coman allegedly leaped onto the hood of Hamilton's Tesla, shattering the windshield before pinning the victim to the ground.
According to police reports, Hamilton was punched repeatedly in the face and body for more than 30 seconds. The victim suffered a brain bleed, a concussion, multiple contusions, and four broken ribs during the unexpected altercation.
Hamilton managed to defend himself by striking Coman in the throat, allowing him to escape momentarily until law enforcement arrived at the scene. An Orange County Sheriff’s deputy arrived shortly after and was also met with aggression from the suspect.
Hamilton assisted the deputy in detaining Coman, who now faces numerous criminal charges. Authorities confirmed that Coman was involved in a separate hit-and-run crash just two miles away earlier that same morning.
Coman faces charges including battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting an officer with violence, assault on a law enforcement officer, battery, and criminal mischief. Hamilton was transported to a local hospital for urgent medical treatment and has since established a crowdfunding campaign to manage medical expenses and vehicle repairs.
"He tried to kill me," Hamilton stated, reflecting on the incident while noting he only intended to do the right thing for a person in distress. Coman remains in custody at the Orange County Jail as investigations into both morning collisions continue. Public reaction has been swift, with many expressing concern over the safety of assisting stranded motorists.