Teen Shot Dead During Violent Takeover on Busy Beach

A 17-year-old boy was taken to the hospital with a gunshot injury that’s not life-threatening after a chaotic “teen takeover” event promoted on social media erupted at a Florida beach.

A toll plaza operator was tragically killed on a Florida beach when a pickup truck crashed into a building and then got stuck in the sand. The accident happened at the Dun Lawton Avenue beach access ramp in Daytona Beach Shores around 12:40 p.m.

The sheriff’s office reported that the driver was likely traveling at around 40 mph. Sheriff Mike Chitwood commented on the force of the impact, stating, “That crushes toll booths.”

Tammy Jo Baker, an employee at the toll booth who was very close to her 63rd birthday, was confirmed dead at the scene after lifeguards performed CPR on her. According to Chitwood, “I think she probably almost died on impact. If you look closely, there’s nothing in that booth. When you hit it at 40 miles an hour, you really had nowhere to go. The impact flipped the booth over.”

Following the incident, the driver, identified as Deanna Harrell, 35, tried to move toward the water but ended up stuck in the sand while attempting to turn. Bystanders rushed over to help her as authorities noted a “strong odor of alcohol” emanating from her vehicle. Harrell is currently being tested for potential impairment.

Chitwood described Baker’s death as “completely senseless,” reflecting the tragedy of the situation.