Florida man accused of smashing wrong SUV with hammer in grocery store parking lot

A Florida man is facing multiple criminal charges after deputies say he broke into and damaged an SUV with a hammer in a grocery store parking lot — mistakenly believing the vehicle belonged to his ex.

The incident happened Friday at a Publix parking lot in Ormond-by-the-Sea, according to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office. Investigators say 37-year-old Justin Allen broke into what deputies described as an “innocent” employee’s SUV and began damaging it with a hammer.

When deputies arrived, they reportedly found Allen sitting in the passenger seat of the vehicle holding the hammer and striking the in-car radio.

Authorities say Allen initially claimed he was damaging his own property, then said the vehicle belonged to his girlfriend. Deputies later spoke with the woman he identified, who told them their relationship had ended and the vehicle was not connected to him.

Investigators believe Allen intended to target an ex-partner’s car but instead damaged a completely unrelated vehicle.

He was arrested and charged with burglary, possession of burglary tools, criminal mischief causing more than $1,000 in damage, and possession of drugs. Officials say he later posted a $10,500 bond and has been released.

Despite the incident, the vehicle’s owner is receiving support from the community. A local car dealership owner is helping cover repairs and provided a rental vehicle to assist the employee and her family while the damage is addressed.

Authorities say the case remains under investigation.

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