HAINES CITY, Fla. — A 19-year-old Lake Hamilton man was arrested Monday afternoon after crashing into a business in Haines City, according to police. 

  • Cesar Tapia Jr. arrested after crashing into business
  • Officials say Tapia was speeding, driving recklessly

Police said the driver, Cesar Mendoza Tapia Jr., was turning left from Sixth Street onto Hinson Avenue when he lost control of the 2005 Ford Mustang he was driving and crashed through the window of Rent King. 

The vehicle went completely through the building, officials said.  Luckily no one was injured. 

Officials said Tapia, who did not possess a valid Florida driver's license, was speeding and driving recklessly when the crash occurred. 

(Courtesy of the Haines City Police Department)

While the code compliance determined that the building was structurally sound, the owner of the business estimated the damage to exceed $25,000. 

"This is an area that usually has a heavy pedestrian presence and we're so thankful that no one was hurt," Police Chief Jim Elensky said. "Mr. Tapia was taken to jail, but this could have been much, much worse. We hope this serves as a lesson to him and anyone else who thinks it's OK to drive without a license or at high rates of speed."

Tapia was transported to the Polk County jail on charges of reckless driving and driving without a license.