In a shocking incident in Auburndale, Florida, 41-year-old Christdon Reese faces charges of attempted first-degree murder after intentionally running over her estranged husband’s girlfriend with her Volkswagen Jetta. The attack, which occurred on April 10, 2025, stemmed from Reese spotting the couple walking together near a Circle K store.
The victim suffered two spinal fractures but is expected to recover. Reese, who was on probation for a prior theft charge, was arrested the following day and is now held without bond in Polk County Jail. This case underscores the dangers of domestic disputes fueled by jealousy and the critical need for emotional restraint.
A Violent Reaction on Old Dixie Highway
The incident unfolded around 4:00 p.m. on April 10, 2025, as the victim and her boyfriend, Reese’s estranged husband, walked across Old Dixie Highway near U.S. Highway 92 in Auburndale, approximately 50 miles southwest of Orlando.
The couple had just left a Circle K store at 4950 U.S. Highway 92 East, where they purchased items, and were heading to a friend’s house. Christdon Reese, driving south in her white Volkswagen Jetta, spotted them.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the estranged husband recognized Reese’s car and warned his girlfriend to run as Reese made a U-turn in a nearby Family Dollar parking lot and accelerated toward them.
The victim fled down a residential driveway, but Christdon Reese pursued her, striking her with the Jetta and running her over. Surveillance footage from the Circle K captured Reese’s U-turn and rapid approach, corroborating witness accounts.
The victim was knocked to the ground and later transported by Polk County Fire Rescue to a local hospital, where X-rays revealed two spinal fractures. Doctors expect her to make a full recovery. Reese fled the scene at high speed, turning around in the driveway and heading north on Old Dixie Highway.
The resident of the property where the incident occurred reported that Christdon Reese did not have permission to be there, leading to an additional trespassing charge. Sheriff Grady Judd, in a statement, described the incident as a stark example of domestic-related calls turning deadly.
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“She thought, well, if I can’t have him, then this new girlfriend is not going to have him,” Judd said, emphasizing Christdon Reese’s intent to harm. He added, “Take a deep breath, call your lawyer. Call your mama. Call your preacher, but don’t run over your separated husband’s girlfriend, or you’ll go to jail and then prison.”
Legal Consequences and Prior Record
Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives obtained a warrant for Christdon Reese’s arrest on April 10, 2025, charging her with attempted first-degree murder, a first-degree felony, trespassing, a first-degree misdemeanor, and violation of probation, a second-degree misdemeanor.
The following morning, April 11, deputies located Reese on Tower Manor Circle East in Auburndale and took her into custody. She was booked into the Polk County Jail, where she remains without bond due to the severity of the charges and her probation status.
At the time of the incident, Reese was on probation for a 2023 retail theft charge in Osceola County, which amplified the consequences of her actions. The violation of probation charge reflects her failure to comply with the terms of her supervised release.
The attempted murder charge, which carries a potential life sentence in Florida, underscores the deliberate nature of Reese’s actions, as prosecutors argue she intended to kill the victim. The trespassing charge arose from Reese driving onto private property during the pursuit, further compounding her legal troubles.
The victim’s survival was a stroke of luck, as Sheriff Judd noted: “This victim was injured, but luckily she survived the ordeal. Christdon Reese needs to learn how to control her temper, and maybe some cooling off in the jail will help.”
The case is ongoing, with Reese’s initial court appearance pending. Her lack of bond suggests the court views her as a significant risk, given the violent nature of the crime and her prior legal issues.
Broader Implications and Community Impact
The Auburndale incident highlights the volatile nature of domestic disputes, particularly when jealousy and unresolved emotions drive violent behavior. Sheriff Judd emphasized the broader dangers of such situations: “Domestic-related calls are some of the worst calls to which we respond.
When people allow their emotions to take over, it can result in injury or even death.” This case joins a series of high-profile domestic violence incidents in Florida, raising concerns about how personal conflicts escalate into life-threatening acts.
The community of Auburndale, a small city of about 15,000 residents, is reeling from the incident, which occurred in a busy area near major highways and commercial establishments. Local residents, including Shawn Holley, the friend the couple was visiting, witnessed the aftermath.
Holley described the harrowing scene to deputies: “She was running from the car at first, and then the white car caught up to her and just she fell down and the car ran right over her.” Such accounts have left the community shaken, prompting discussions about safety and conflict resolution.
This case also sheds light on the challenges of managing probationers in the criminal justice system. Reese’s prior theft conviction and ongoing probation indicate a pattern of legal issues, yet her supervision did not prevent this violent act.
Advocates for criminal justice reform argue that probation systems need better resources to monitor and support individuals, potentially preventing escalations like this one. Conversely, others call for stricter penalties to deter repeat offenders, particularly in cases involving violence.
The incident has sparked conversations about the role of mental health and emotional regulation in preventing domestic violence. Community leaders in Polk County are exploring initiatives to provide counseling and conflict mediation services, aiming to address underlying issues before they lead to harm. The case serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of acting on impulse, urging individuals to seek non-violent solutions to personal disputes.
As Christdon Reese awaits her day in court, the focus remains on the victim’s recovery and the community’s efforts to heal. The incident on Old Dixie Highway is a stark reminder of the human cost of unchecked anger, leaving Auburndale to grapple with its aftermath and seek ways to prevent such tragedies in the future.