Let’s consider a few more things, based on the known facts and locations:
Martin was first spotted about a 3-4 minute walk from the house where he was staying. Zimmerman’s call to police lasted more than four minutes. Martin was out of Zimmerman’s sight for almost half of the call, and was last seen “running.”
Add to this that by the time Zimmerman reported to police that he could no longer see the “running” Martin, he (Martin) only had to cross one yard - about the length of a football field - to get to his house.
If all Martin wanted to do was go home, he had more than enough time to get there without ever seeing George Zimmerman outside of his car.
Now, none of that proves that Zimmerman did not assault Martin, but these known facts are tough to square with the notion of a frightened and fleeing Martin who is just trying to get home.
And the idea that, as in your scenario, Zimmerman got out of his car after Martin (a high school athlete) started running, took a longer route than the younger man, yet managed to head him off, circle back, and confront him only 200-250 feet from where the car was parked is more than a little bit of a stretch.
One lost guy. Another who actually parked near his own home before continuing his search on foot taking shortcuts from his home to the sidewalk. You can see the trails on Google.
If all Zimmerman had done was follow Martin, he couldn't have lost him ~ he knew his way like the back of his hand. If, instead he cut through home to get his gun to continue the search armed, he'd got there first.
HE Didn't have to cut back on his path to go home. Just turn left at the sidewalk to the North and he'd been there.