SANTA ROSA COUNTY, Fla. — Three Minors Identified in Dangerous Debris-Throwing Incidents from I-10 Overpass

SANTA ROSA COUNTY, Fla. — Three Minors Identified in Dangerous Debris-Throwing Incidents from I-10 Overpass

SANTA ROSA COUNTY, Fla. — What began as a series of disturbing vehicle damage reports has culminated in a deeply concerning revelation in Santa Rosa County, Florida, where authorities have identified three juveniles—ages 10, 12, and 17—as the suspects behind a string of dangerous debris-throwing incidents from an overpass along Interstate 10.

According to Major Todd Bobe of the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office, the three minors, two brothers and their cousin, have confessed to hurling bricks and concrete blocks from the SA Jones Road overpass onto vehicles speeding below. The reckless behavior spanned nearly six months, from January to June 2025, and has resulted in extensive property damage, multiple investigations, and widespread public concern.

“The three juveniles confessed to being the ones throwing bricks and concrete blocks off the Interstate overpass and striking cars driving down the road,” said Major Bobe. “This wasn’t just mischief — it could have been deadly.”

Pattern of Danger and Damage

The first reported incident dates back to January 16, when a woman reported a brick crashing through the windshield of her Ford Fusion, landing in her lap. It was a chilling moment that foreshadowed more to come. On April 12, a similar report emerged when another vehicle traveling eastbound on I-10 was hit by debris, shattering the windshield.

But the most alarming night came on May 21, when three separate vehicles were struck in a single evening. A Tesla sustained major hood damage, a 2023 GMC Sierra was hit, and another car was found with a brick on the driver-side floorboard—all while deputies found no suspects in the area. According to official reports, damage exceeded $200 per vehicle, crossing the threshold for felony charges under Florida’s criminal mischief statute.

Then on June 18, another Ford Fusion had its windshield hit by a thrown brick, racking up $600 in damage. The final blow came on June 23, when the Kendall family, driving a rented Dodge Ram, had a large object launched at their vehicle, again causing significant damage.

Authorities estimate that 14 to 15 vehicles have been struck, and that there may be more unreported cases. “These cars were traveling at highway speeds—70 mph or more,” said Bobe. “Even a small object dropped from that height becomes a deadly missile. This could have ended in catastrophic loss of life.”

How the Juveniles Were Found

A breakthrough came on June 24, when a witness saw a boy in a red shirt throw a rock from the overpass. Deputies responded swiftly and found two boys nearby, with a third called outside shortly after.

When questioned individually, one boy admitted to handling the rock but claimed it “accidentally fell” from his hands before breaking down in tears and asking, “Am I going to prison?” Another denied involvement, despite the other two naming him as a participant. Deputies ultimately found inconsistencies and dishonesty in their responses, but enough evidence and admissions were gathered to pursue charges.

Charges and Consequences

The minors now face serious legal repercussions, including charges of throwing a deadly missile—a felony under Florida law—as well as criminal mischief, which can also be elevated to a felony depending on the dollar value of the damages caused.

“These are not just kids being kids,” Bobe emphasized. “We’re talking about felonies. These actions could have killed someone.”

Authorities have been working closely with the children’s parents and guardians, taking the time to explain the gravity of the situation. Bobe noted, “I don’t know if they fully understood the extent of trouble they were in, but I can assure you they do now.”

A Community’s Relief—and a Cautionary Reminder

While no serious injuries or fatalities occurred, officials acknowledged that the outcome could have been drastically worse. Across the U.S., similar cases have led to tragic deaths and lifelong trauma. The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office expressed gratitude that this situation ended without such consequences—but also urged vigilance going forward.

Parents are encouraged to monitor their children’s whereabouts and behavior, especially around public infrastructure such as overpasses, construction zones, or restricted areas. The public is reminded that throwing objects at moving vehicles is not a prank — it’s a crime that endangers lives and can result in severe legal penalties.

As the legal process continues, many in the Santa Rosa County area are left grappling with the shock that children so young could commit such dangerous acts. Authorities hope that through education, accountability, and continued community engagement, similar incidents can be prevented in the future.