An unknown reckless driver led state troopers on a high-speed chase down U.S. Highway 27 Sunday afternoon, before wrecking his car in Havana and fleeing the scene.
The suspect remained at large as of press time Tuesday.
According to a Florida Highway Patrol Report, at about 2:20 p.m., Sunday, a state trooper noticed a gray 2012 Mazda 3 driving erratically and speeding on U.S. 27 near Rich Bay Road in Gadsden County.
The Mazda was driving north at 87 mph in a posted 55 mph zone, while weaving in and out of traffic and making erratic lane changes around other vehicles.
The trooper activated his lights and attempted a traffic stop, but the Mazda increased speed and continued north on Highway 27 toward Havana.
An extended pursuit ensued.
While attempting to turn onto 4th Street SW in Havana, the Mazda collided with a Ford Crown Victoria and the trooper’s patrol vehicle but continued to elude authorities.
The trooper chased the Mazda into the parking lot of Havana Heights Apartments on W. 16th Avenue. There, the front of the Mazda collided with a ditch, a concrete traffic pillar and a traffic signpost before finally coming to a rest.
The driver of the Mazda then fled the scene on foot, scaling the apartment fence and eluding law enforcement.
Tuesday afternoon, a spokesperson for Florida Highway Patrol said the investigation is “ongoing” and has so far not resulted in an arrest.
Havana police briefly assisted Florida Highway Patrol Sunday, according to Havana Police Chief Tracy Smith.
By Randall Lieberman
randall@prioritynews.net