PHILADELPHIA, PA – A violent confrontation at a North Broad Street car wash escalated into a vehicle crash and fire Wednesday, after a woman allegedly drove into her ex-boyfriend, sending him into a wall and shattering her windshield, according to authorities and video obtained by a local news outlet. The incident left the 42-year-old victim hospitalized and resulted in multiple felony charges against the driver.
Imani Walker, 27, is charged with criminal attempted homicide, aggravated assault, accident involving personal injury, criminal mischief, possession of an instrument of crime, simple assault, and recklessly endangering another person. Court records show she posted $75,000 bond and is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing on April 24.
Altercation captured on video
The confrontation unfolded while Moctar Elias was working at the car wash, according to NBC affiliate WCAU. Elias told the outlet that Walker, his ex-girlfriend of about five years, arrived at the location and confronted him. Video shows the two speaking before the situation turned physical, beginning when Walker appears to slap a coffee cup out of Elias’ hand. The encounter quickly escalated into a physical struggle, with both individuals falling to the ground as others nearby moved in to intervene.
The footage then shows Walker entering a Volkswagen Jetta and driving toward Elias’ vehicle. She is seen using a hammer to strike the vehicle, before Elias approaches, takes the hammer, and swings it toward her car. Walker backs away, creating distance between herself and Elias.
Moments later, authorities allege Walker accelerated and drove directly into Elias, pushing him into a nearby wall. The impact shattered the windshield of her vehicle and left Elias on the ground. One co-worker is seen pulling Elias away from the vehicle while another attempts to restrain Walker before she leaves the scene.
Vehicle fire and injuries reported
Following the collision, the vehicle began to catch fire, with smoke rising into the air as the aftermath unfolded. Emergency responders transported Elias to a nearby hospital, where he was treated for injuries to his neck and leg.
Walker was arrested days after the incident. Authorities have not released additional details about what led to the confrontation beyond what was captured on video and reported by the victim.
Elias told WCAU the violence was out of character for their past relationship. “We broke up, I don’t know, maybe she [is going] through something,” he said.
