What began as an ordinary afternoon in Central Florida took a violent turn when a woman allegedly let heartbreak and rage steer her actions… literally.
Christdon Reese, 41, now faces charges including attempted first-degree murder after authorities say she intentionally struck her estranged husband’s new partner with her car. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office says the incident unfolded on April 10 in Auburndale, just under an hour from Orlando.
According to investigators, Reese’s estranged husband and his new girlfriend had walked to a nearby Circle K convenience store, picking up a few items before heading to a friend’s home across the highway. That’s when he noticed a familiar vehicle… a white Volkswagen Jetta… driving by. Behind the wheel was Reese.
What happened next, authorities claim, was fueled by raw emotion and poor judgment. Reese allegedly looped around using a Family Dollar parking lot to double back, this time accelerating toward the couple. As the girlfriend fled down a driveway, Reese is accused of following and hitting her with the car before speeding away from the scene.
Surveillance footage appears to confirm the U-turn maneuver, police said. The victim was rushed to a local hospital, where doctors discovered two fractured vertebrae. Despite the severity of her injuries, she is expected to survive.
A nearby homeowner later informed law enforcement that Reese had been on his property without permission, prompting an additional trespassing charge. Whether she drove across his land while fleeing remains unclear.
Reese, already on probation from a 2023 retail theft conviction in Osceola County, is now also charged with violating her probation. She remains in custody at Polk County Jail without bond.
“Calls involving domestic situations are some of the most emotionally charged and dangerous we respond to,” said Sheriff Grady Judd. “When emotions boil over like this, people can get seriously hurt… or worse. Thankfully, this victim will recover.”
He added pointedly: “Ms. Reese needs to learn how to manage her temper. Maybe some time in jail will help her reflect.”
No further details about the estranged husband or the victim have been released at this time.
