The crash was investigated by Ocala Police Sgt. Dan E. Wright. He interviewed Edwards, 41, of Ocala, who reported that he was driving an older model Dodge Caravan on the afternoon of Nov. 12. He stopped at a store and he and his passenger, Derrick Glen Brown, 57, also of Ocala, went inside and purchased two beers. Edwards said they did not open the beers, and police confirmed that. He said he was driving north on Northwest First Avenue and his cellphone was on his lap. The man said the phone started ringing and he went to pick it up. The phone fell from his lap and dropped between the door and his seat, Edwards said. He said he leaned to his left to try and get the phone. Edwards said he heard a "thud" noise. Looking up, Edwards realized his vehicle had struck a fence.