Marina manager arrested after striking liveaboard with SUV
A 53-year-old Islamorada man was arrested Tuesday after striking a tenant at Smuggler’s Cover Marina with a sport utility vehicle and nearly striking another man.
Richard Van Der Dijs was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill and aggravated battery.
Deputies Matthew O’Neill, Caridad Bellon and Martin Digrius responded to Smuggler’s Cover Marina, 85500 Overseas Highway, at 11:35 a.m. where they found two male victims.
One of the victims interviewed stated he had been arguing with his landlord, identified as Van Der Dijs, who was threatening to sink his boat during an argument over rent. The feud has reportedly been an ongoing issue between the he and Van Der Dijs. Van Der Dijs then got behind the wheel of a black 2012 GMC sport utility vehicle, drove briefly away from the scene, but then drove back to the scene. That victim then began filming with his cell phone.
The cell phone recorded the following: The black SUV is seen facing toward the videographer who had been arguing with Dan Der Dijs over rent. The SUV then accelerates forward, but makes a sudden, sharp left turn toward the other victim, who had to quickly move out of the way to avoid being struck. The video then shows the SUV heading toward the videographer. The SUV can be seen striking the videographer as he attempts to move out of the way while yelling at the driver. The SUV is then seen leaving the immediate area and not stopping.
The first victim who was not struck corroborated the video evidence, stating he heard Van Der Dijs and the other victim arguing. He stated Van Der Dijs then left in an SUV and returned, nearly striking him and then striking the other victim who landed on the hood of the SUV.
The videographer who landed on the hood of the SUV stated his ankle was injured, but he declined medical treatment on scene.
Deputy Bellon spoke to Van Der Dijs via phone. Van Der Dijs told Deputy Bellon he was trying to leave the property and two individuals were attempting to prevent him from leaving. Van Der Dijs claimed one of the subjects threw himself in front of his vehicle. Deputy Bellon told Van Der Dijs he needed to return to the property, whereupon he gave a similar version of events to Deputy O’Neill.
The witnesses statements and video evidence did not corroborate Van Der Dijs’ version of events.
Van Der Dijs was taken to jail.
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Hmmmm. They were supposed to refund me 3 nights I paid for, 2 yrs ago, but had to cancel due to the hurricane. Kept saying it was on the way. Then blocked me on Facebook. Didn’t return my calls. Nothing. Over $300 they owe me.