Sanibel, FL – A bizarre sequence of events unfolded in Sanibel when a Florida man allegedly stole a construction worker’s car, attempted to run him over, and then hid in a portable toilet while partially undressed, according to authorities.
Suspect Confronts Worker, Steals Vehicle
According to an arrest affidavit reviewed by police, the incident began around 4:16 p.m. on October 27 when 43-year-old Joshua Mulnix allegedly approached a construction site near a private property off the coast of Cape Coral. A construction worker told police that Mulnix, who appeared disoriented and dressed only in sweatpants, refused to leave the area after being asked to do so.
When Mulnix reportedly attempted to break into a shed and failed, he spotted the worker’s white Nissan SUV, which had been left unlocked with the keys inside. Police said Mulnix climbed into the driver’s seat and “aggressively accelerated” toward the worker, narrowly missing him before driving off through the property gate toward nearby Captiva.
Police Track the Stolen SUV
While officers from the Sanibel Police Department responded to the stolen-vehicle call, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office received another report describing a “suspicious male” matching Mulnix’s description. According to the affidavit, the suspect abandoned the stolen Nissan at another location before running into a nearby porta potty.
A witness told dispatchers the man “appeared to be on drugs”, prompting multiple units to respond. When officers arrived, Mulnix allegedly burst out of the porta potty holding two wooden stakes and fled on foot without his pants.
Arrest and Property Damage
Deputies said they subdued Mulnix using a taser after he attempted to approach another vehicle while still holding the wooden stakes. Investigators found a pair of gray sweatpants left behind inside the portable toilet.
The worker’s SUV sustained approximately $4,000 in damage, police reported. Following his arrest, Mulnix was taken to a local hospital for evaluation before being booked into the Lee County Jail.
Charges and Upcoming Arraignment
Authorities charged Mulnix with grand theft of a motor vehicle, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and criminal mischief. Jail records show he posted a $7,500 bond on November 4 and was released pending trial.
Mulnix is scheduled to appear in court for arraignment on December 8. Police have not confirmed whether drugs or alcohol were factors in the incident.
Community Reaction and Context
The case has drawn attention locally due to its unusual nature. Law enforcement officials in Lee County continue to remind residents to lock their vehicles and secure equipment at job sites, citing a rise in opportunistic property crimes across southwest Florida.
Neighbors near the scene told local outlets that such erratic behavior underscores concerns about drug-related disturbances in the area. Authorities have encouraged anyone witnessing suspicious activity to immediately contact Sanibel Police or Lee County Sheriff’s deputies.
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