‘I did try to run your f—ing children over’: Terrified kids scatter as woman allegedly swerves car at them, tells cops they were ‘target practice’

A Florida woman is facing multiple felony charges after police say she deliberately swerved her vehicle toward a group of children playing outside an apartment complex, causing them to flee in fear. Investigators allege that the woman later admitted her actions, told officers the children were being used as “target practice,” and even acknowledged to a parent that she had tried to run the youngsters over. The disturbing incident has sparked outrage in the local community and led to serious criminal charges.

Incident Unfolds at Florida Apartment Complex

According to the Cocoa Police Department, the incident occurred shortly before 7 p.m. on June 7, 2026, at an apartment complex located in the 800 block of Rosa L. Jones Drive in Cocoa, Florida. Police say four children were playing on a sidewalk near the complex when a vehicle driven by 59-year-old Pamela Dresser suddenly swerved toward them.

Investigators stated that the children were forced to run away from the approaching vehicle to avoid being struck. Authorities said the children narrowly escaped injury as they scattered from the sidewalk and rushed toward safety.

Children Run for Safety

Witnesses told police that Dresser’s vehicle veered toward the youngsters while they were playing outside. The children immediately ran from the area after realizing the car was heading in their direction. Officers later noted that none of the children suffered physical injuries, but the encounter left them frightened.

The children’s mother reportedly witnessed the entire incident unfold and reacted immediately after seeing the vehicle move toward her children. According to police records, she shouted at Dresser, demanding to know what she was doing.

Alleged Racial Slur Escalates the Situation

Authorities say the confrontation intensified when Dresser allegedly responded to the children’s mother with a racial slur. Police documents indicate that the alleged comment became a key factor in the case and contributed to an enhanced charge against the suspect.

Investigators later determined that the alleged use of a racial epithet elevated one of the criminal charges filed against Dresser.

Mother Confronts the Suspect

Following the near-collision, the children’s mother confronted Dresser regarding what had just occurred. According to the probable cause affidavit, the conversation took a shocking turn.

Police say Dresser allegedly responded by saying, “Yes, I did try to run your f—ing children over.” Witness statements provided to investigators echoed that allegation.

The statement became one of the most significant pieces of evidence cited by investigators as they built their case.

Police Arrive and Hear Disturbing Admission

When officers arrived at the scene, they encountered Dresser and described her as being in a “highly agitated state.” According to the arrest affidavit, officers began questioning her about the allegations involving the children.

‘Target Practice’ Comment

Police say Dresser made another alarming statement while speaking with officers.

According to investigators, she told police that she had been using the children as “target practice.” Officers later documented the remark in their report.

After making the statement, Dresser allegedly attempted to downplay its significance by claiming she was joking. Nevertheless, police included the comment in the probable cause affidavit supporting her arrest.

Dresser’s Version of Events

During questioning, Dresser denied intentionally trying to strike the children with her vehicle.

According to police records, she claimed she had merely made a wide turn in an effort to avoid a yellow cart located near the roadway. She further told officers that after avoiding the cart, she drove into a nearby gravel lot and performed several “donuts” before returning toward the apartment complex.

Claims It Was a Joke

Police said Dresser admitted making the “target practice” remark but insisted that the statement was intended as a joke. Officers, however, continued investigating based on witness accounts and the statements allegedly made during the confrontation with the children’s mother.

Investigators ultimately concluded there was sufficient evidence to support multiple felony charges.

Additional Alleged Threats Against Police

The situation did not end with the allegations involving the children.

According to police, as officers were speaking with witnesses and preparing to leave the immediate area, Dresser allegedly made threatening comments directed toward law enforcement personnel.

‘Special Present’ for Officers

Officers reported that Dresser said she intended to deliver a “special present” to them. According to the affidavit, she allegedly followed the remark by stating, “That is a threat.” Investigators interpreted the comments as an attempt to threaten or influence law enforcement officers.

The statements led to additional criminal counts being filed against her.

Charges Filed Against Pamela Dresser

Following the investigation, Cocoa police arrested Pamela Dresser and transported her to the Brevard County Jail. Prosecutors subsequently filed numerous charges connected to the incident.

Criminal Counts

According to court documents and police records, Dresser faces:

• An enhanced count of aggravated assault due to the alleged racial component of the incident.
• Multiple counts of aggravated assault involving the children.
• Four counts of child abuse without great bodily harm.
• Two counts of threatening or corruptly influencing a public servant.

Authorities have emphasized that the allegations involve four separate child victims who were allegedly placed in danger when the vehicle swerved toward them.

Bond and Upcoming Court Appearance

After her arrest, Dresser was booked into the Brevard County Jail. Court records indicate that she remained in custody on a bond set at $250,000.

Next Steps in the Case

The case is expected to proceed through the Florida court system, where prosecutors will present evidence gathered from witnesses, police officers, and the defendant’s alleged statements.

Court records show that Dresser’s next scheduled hearing is an arraignment set for July 2, where she is expected to formally respond to the charges against her.

Community Shocked by Allegations

The allegations have drawn widespread attention because of the young ages of the children involved and the statements allegedly made by the suspect after the incident. While no child was physically injured, police say the children were forced to run for safety as the vehicle approached them.

As the criminal case moves forward, investigators and prosecutors will seek to determine whether the evidence supports the allegations that Dresser intentionally used her vehicle to threaten the children and later admitted doing so. The outcome of the case will ultimately be decided in court, where the charges against her remain allegations until proven.