Brandon, Florida -- A man seen punching a woman while driving on a major road in Brandon was arrested moments after he caused over $50,000 in damage to other vehicles in his path.
Authorities say on May 21 around 10:45 p.m., Varance Hibbett was heading east on Brandon Boulevard near Lithia Pinecrest Road when witnesses saw him punching a woman and grabbing her by her hair as she tried to get out of the car. Witnesses also told police they heard him say to the woman, "I'll kill you..."
Police say Hibbett then sped around traffic, hit two other vehicles, a light pole and six cars parked at the Axiom Motors causing approximately $57,000 in total damage.
Once Hibbett crashed his car, he fled on foot and was caught about 500 yards away by police.
The woman in the car, 39-year-old Wendy Barnes, received injuries to her face and mouth as a result of the crash.
Hibbett,33, is being charged with Leaving the Scene of a Crash with injury, Leaving the Scene of a Crash with property damage, Resisting an Officer without violence, Battery, DUI with property damage and DUI with injury.