Ismael Jose Cruz, of Bonita Springs, was found guilty as charged with two counts of Operating a Motor Vehicle Carelessly or Negligently Causing Serious Bodily Injury without Having a Driver’s License, two counts of Driving Under the Influence Causing Serious Bodily Injury, and two counts of Driving Under the Influence Damage to Person. He was convicted following a three-day trial in Lee County.
Assistant State Attorney Frank Lazzaro prosecuted the case.
The defendant was driving without a license and drunk, with an intoxication level almost three times the legal limit, when he went through a red light and crashed his Mercedes Benz into a pick-up truck on September 7, 2025. The crash happened at the intersection of Michael G. Rippe Parkway and U.S. 41 in Lee County.
The crash was so severe, everyone involved, five people, needed emergency medical care.
The driver of the truck was a father with his 9-year-old and 8-year-old sons. All three were seriously injured and rushed to the hospital. The youngest victim suffered traumatic injuries still impacting him.
The defendant and his passenger were also injured.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 13, 2026.
Samantha Syoen – State Attorney’s Office Communications Director