05/28/2026
Sebring Police Department Continues Investigation into May 23 Incident at Back Alley Bar & Grill
The Sebring Police Department’s investigation into the vehicle-versus-pedestrian incident that occurred in the parking lot area of the Back Alley Bar & Grill during the early morning hours of May 23, 2026 is still ongoing. In keeping with our commitment to transparency, accountability and public trust, we are providing this update on the investigation to help the community better understand the events surrounding this incident.
At approximately 1:54 a.m. on Saturday, May 23, 2026, officers with the Sebring Police Department were at the Back Alley Bar & Grill conducting a watch order when a motorist in the parking lot struck another vehicle and then left the scene of the crash. Two officers left in attempt to find the driver, ultimately locating the suspect vehicle at the Save A Lot Plaza located at 1544 Lakeview Drive, where they conducted a traffic stop. Corporal Steven Gilliard remained at the scene of the crash in the parking lot of the Back Alley Bar & Grill to complete the hit-and-run traffic crash investigation.
While completing the traffic crash investigation, Highlands County Fire Rescue personnel and were actively operating on scene. Corporal Gilliard was in his patrol vehicle directly behind an ambulance that was on scene, completing the traffic crash report when a security guard from the establishment alerted him that a vehicle had just struck multiple people and a car in the parking lot.
Corporal Gilliard immediately requested additional units respond to the scene and then engaged the driver and was able to stop the vehicle, detaining the driver who was identified as 20-year-old McKaeyla Hood of Sebring. Additional officers arrived on scene and began trying to stop numerous fights that broke out during the incident.
During the initial stages of the investigation, no individuals identified themselves as victims, and officers encountered limited cooperation from witnesses on scene. The only statement initially available to investigators was provided by the driver, McKaeyla Hood, who claimed she had been attacked and people were hitting her car. Video footage and security video from the establishment of the incident were not available for investigators to review until after the scene had been cleared.
Based on the information available during the preliminary investigation, officers initially determined that there was insufficient information to establish probable cause to charge McKaeyla Hood at that time and to immediately disprove her potential claims of self-defense. Comprehensive follow-up investigation was then initiated to ensure all available evidence was thoroughly reviewed before criminal charges were pursued. Over the course of the investigation, investigators conducted numerous interviews and reviewed multiple surveillance and cellphone video angles related to the incident.
As a result of our investigative efforts, probable cause has been developed and criminal charges will be referred to the State Attorneys’ Office against the driver of the vehicle McKaeyla Hood, with three counts of Aggravated Battery, and two counts of Aggravated Assault.
Other criminal charges stemming from the incident include one count of Burglary-Battery against Tatyana Tucker, 25 years-old of Sebring, two counts of Burglary-Battery against Ajaneigh Washington, 24 years-old, of Sebring, and one count of Battery against Aurjainae Daniels, 24 years-old of Lake Placid.
Additional criminal charges are pending as investigators continue to work to identify everyone involved in the incident.
This incident has generated significant public attention due to graphic videos circulating on social media. While we understand the community’s concerns regarding the pace of the investigation, the Sebring Police Department remains committed to conducting a thorough, impartial, and fact-based investigation to ensure all individuals involved are held appropriately accountable for their actions.
The Sebring Police Department appreciates the patience and cooperation of the community throughout this investigation.
