Ghee pushed his daughter from a fleeing driver’s path on Sandhill Boulevard
October 31, 2025 | Punta Gorda, FL
A Punta Gorda man continues to recover after a hit-and-run driver struck him and two others while he was trick-or-treating with his family on Halloween night.
Authorities arrested the suspect at his home shortly after the incident on Sandhill Boulevard.
Sawyer Ghee, 35, of Punta Gorda, was struck by Eugene Mandarino’s vehicle on Sandhill Boulevard while trick-or-treating, resulting in serious injuries.
What Happened in the Punta Gorda Hit-and-Run?
- Date: October 31, 2025
- Location: Sandhill Boulevard, Punta Gorda, Florida
- Victim: Sawyer Ghee, a father who pushed his daughter out of harm's way
- Suspect: Eugene Mandarino, 66, of Punta Gorda
- Charges: Multiple hit-and-run counts
- Additional Details: Mandarino struck two other victims before fleeing
The Florida Highway Patrol reports that Mandarino drove the vehicle that hit Ghee near Sandhill Boulevard. After the collision, Mandarino left the scene but police later took him into custody at his Punta Gorda residence.
Why Do Hit-and-Run Crashes Occur in Florida?
Florida law mandates that drivers stop at any crash scene involving injury, death, or property damage. Yet many flee to avoid responsibility.
Year |
Total Hit-and-Run Crashes |
Fatalities |
Serious Injuries |
|---|
2023 |
104,273 |
271 |
871 |
Source: Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Legal Insights on Hit-and-Run Cases
“Having the proper resources is crucial to investigating a hit-and-run accident case and proving negligence,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal. “Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all potential contributing factors that are considered and must be thoroughly examined.”
- Independent probes preserve evidence for victims
- Seasoned attorneys help secure fair compensation
“Although no amount of money can make up for a devastating injury, it is important that a victim is made aware of their rights and what they are entitled to by law,” Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal, added.
- Victims may recover medical costs, future care, pain, and emotional distress
- Stress after serious injury affects every part of life
About Newsline
Newsline, a premier digital news platform owned by Belsito Communications, Inc., delivers real-world legal and public-safety reporting with unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity and editorial excellence. All stories undergo rigorous fact-checking, and errors are corrected within 24 hours per our Corrections Policy.
Advertise with Newsline: Reach targeted audiences in insurance, automotive, and more. Contact us at https://www.newsline.com/contact.
(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)
Newsline - is your trusted source for legal news and accident reports, delivering timely updates to keep you informed.
If you, a friend, or a family member has been injured by a hit-and-run or drunk driver, contact national legal analyst Candice Bond for a free consultation.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).
Tags: Latest News, Non Commercial, Pedestrian Accident, Florida, Punta Gorda hit-and-run, Sandhill Boulevard , Halloween pedestrian crash, hit-and-run, legal rights