Florida Man Charged After Golf Cart “Brake-Checks” E-Bike Rider and Drags Him 50–100 Yards on Marco Island

MARCO ISLAND, FLORIDA — A 61-year-old Florida man is facing felony charges after police say he intentionally brake-checked an e-bike rider with a golf cart, causing the cyclist to be dragged for up to 100 yards with his legs dangling off the back while the driver ignored his cries for help.

Authorities identified the suspect as Steven Pickett, who was arrested last week and charged with felony hit-and-run involving injury, according to law enforcement on Marco Island.

Witness Says Driver “Waved and Kept Going”

The disturbing incident unfolded along North Collier Boulevard on Marco Island. According to a police report, a nearby resident witnessed the moment the e-bike rider was dragged behind Pickett’s golf cart.

The witness told investigators he saw “what looked like something falling off the back” of the golf cart. When he realized it was a person, he began yelling at the driver to stop.

Instead, police say Pickett waved at the witness and kept driving, appearing unfazed as the victim was dragged along the roadway.

Initial Confrontation Before the Crash

According to the victim, the encounter began when he was riding his e-bike southbound on North Collier Boulevard. He told deputies that Pickett, driving a golf cart, yelled at him to get out of the road.

To avoid further confrontation, the e-bike rider said he pulled off to the right at the next road, believing the situation was over after the golf cart continued ahead.

Brake-Check Leads to Violent Impact

The victim told police that after continuing southbound, he eventually caught up to the golf cart and attempted to photograph its license plate. At that moment, investigators say Pickett deliberately slammed on his brakes, dropping his speed from 30 mph to zero.

The sudden stop caused the e-bike rider to rear-end the golf cart, launching his body forward.

Police say the victim’s body flew onto the back of the golf cart, with his legs dragging on the ground, while his e-bike was left behind on the roadway.

Dragged While Begging Driver to Stop

According to the arrest report, Pickett continued driving as the victim clung to the back of the cart, shouting for him to stop.

The victim told police he was yelling repeatedly, warning that he could be seriously hurt or killed, but Pickett allegedly kept driving for 50 to 100 yards before the victim finally fell off.

Despite knowing the collision had occurred, authorities say Pickett did not stop to help.

Suspect Admits Brake-Checking but Claims Fear

Deputies later tracked down Pickett and questioned him about the incident. According to police, Pickett admitted that he slammed on his brakes even though no vehicle or obstacle was in front of him.

Pickett told officers he believed the e-bike rider was approaching too quickly and claimed he feared for his safety.

He also acknowledged that the rider hit the back of the golf cart and held on while Pickett continued driving.

Despite hearing the victim yelling for him to stop, Pickett allegedly said he was too scared to pull over.

Left Scene Without Calling for Help

Police say Pickett admitted he did not stop after the crash and instead drove directly to his place of employment. He also acknowledged that he never reported the incident, claiming he didn’t believe anyone was injured.

Meanwhile, the victim was treated at the scene by emergency responders and later went to the hospital for abdominal pain and other injuries, according to police.

Charges Filed, Court Date Set

Pickett was arrested on Monday and charged with felony hit-and-run for leaving the scene of a crash involving injury. He was later released on bond.

Court records show Pickett is scheduled to appear in court on January 12, 2026.

Police Warn About Escalating Road Rage

Authorities described the incident as a dangerous escalation of road rage, noting that golf carts and e-bikes share roadways across many Florida communities.

Police emphasized that intentionally stopping short or brake-checking another road user can have catastrophic consequences, especially when vulnerable riders are involved.

As the case proceeds through the courts, investigators say it stands as a stark reminder that roadway disputes can turn violent in seconds, placing lives at risk.

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