ZEPHYRHILLS, FL – A Zephyrhills man faces attempted murder charges after authorities say he chased down and fired on an acquaintance from his vehicle, following a heated exchange at a local gas station.
Police said the confrontation began Friday morning at a Wawa station when Quinson Croson, 46, allegedly became enraged during a conversation with Brandon Raymon Lee, whom he knew as a local bar owner. According to investigators, Lee tried to offer Croson advice about his apparent intoxication, telling him it might be best to head home, but the remark reportedly angered Croson and sparked an argument.
Lee and his co-worker, J’Nyith Reyes, were working their route in a garbage truck when Croson followed them in his SUV. The situation escalated quickly, with Croson allegedly retrieving a handgun and pursuing the truck through city streets, police said.
While chasing the garbage truck, Croson is accused of firing multiple rounds at the vehicle. One bullet struck Lee in the right arm, resulting in a non-life-threatening wound. The pursuit ended when Croson’s SUV collided with the garbage truck, causing Reyes to be thrown from the passenger seat. Reyes was treated for injuries at a nearby hospital and later discharged.
Authorities report that Croson fled the scene in his damaged SUV after the crash. Police tracked him down and took him into custody shortly after the incident.
Croson is now charged with two counts of attempted homicide and one count of possession of a weapon by a gang-affiliated felon. He remains held without bond at the Pasco County Detention Center.
Police say dashcam video from the garbage truck helped piece together the sequence of events. The footage reportedly captured the initial confrontation as well as the frantic chase through the streets.
Lee was treated for his injuries at AdventHealth Zephyrhills before speaking with investigators, outlining the exchange with Croson and the subsequent events. Reyes also provided statements regarding the escalating altercation and the moments leading up to the collision.
Officials have not released Croson’s next court date. No other injuries were reported in connection with the incident.
The investigation in Zephyrhills remains ongoing as authorities continue to gather evidence in the violent confrontation.