On July 28, 2021 at approximately 11:30pm, deputies were involved in a vehicle pursuit which resulted in a fatal crash.
A deputy attempted to initiate a traffic stop on a vehicle for a traffic violation. The driver of the vehicle failed to stop and accelerated. A pursuit was initiated with other deputies responding to assist. The suspect lost control of the vehicle in the area of U.S. Highway 90 West and NW Eadie Street. As deputies approached, they could see the vehicle was on fire. They were able to rescue an occupant from the vehicle who told deputies another individual had been driving. As deputies canvassed the scene, they located the suspected driver who had been ejected. First aid was rendered and EMS transported the individual to the hospital where he was pronounced deceased.
In a statement, Sheriff Mark Hunter said, “This incident highlights the importance of complying with law enforcement. This tragedy could have been prevented if the suspect would have simply cooperated with our deputy. We are grateful no other citizens were injured from this suspect’s reckless actions. Our thoughts and prayers are with the suspect’s family.”
The Florida Highway Patrol is leading the crash investigation. Further information will be released when it becomes available.
