JACKSONVILLE - A dispute between two motorists ended when one chased the other's vehicle on foot and suffered a fatal fall lunging for the car.
Charles Hatcher, 54, of Jacksonville fell on the pavement outside his house Thursday while chasing a car driven by Michael Stephens, 27, said police Detective Brian Bradley. Hatcher died Friday at Shands Jacksonville hospital of injuries from the fall. No charges have been filed.
Stephens blew his horn while following Hatcher's sport-utility vehicle on a traffic-clogged road. When traffic started moving, Hatcher hesitated until a traffic light was about to change, hoping to leave Stephens at a red light. Stephens ran the light but got caught in cross traffic.
Hatcher waved his arm, urging Stephens to follow him into his neighborhood, Bradley said. When Stephens showed up, Hatcher started driving out of his driveway into Stephens' path. The younger man became nervous and backed his car away, Bradley said.
Hatcher started chasing the car on foot and suffered severe head injuries when he fell on the pavement, Bradley said. Hatcher's 25-year-old son was riding with him and ran into the house when they got home.
A preliminary investigation did not indicate any criminal wrongdoing by either man and appeared to be a case of "two men making poor decisions," Bradley said. Prosecutors plan to review police findings.
