Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Injured After High-Speed Christmas Day Chase on I-95 in Titusville, Authorities Say
Titusville, Florida — A Florida Highway Patrol trooper was injured on Christmas Day during a high-speed pursuit on Interstate 95 after a driver refused to pull over, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP). The chase ended when a PIT maneuver forced both vehicles off the roadway, where they collided with a guardrail.
Driver Refused to Stop, Prompting High-Speed Pursuit on I-95
According to FHP, the incident began when a 19-year-old Mercedes driver from Royal Palm Beach failed to comply with a traffic stop. Troopers initiated a pursuit as the driver continued at high speed along I-95 through Brevard County.
In an attempt to bring the chase to an end, a trooper executed a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver — a tactical move commonly used by law enforcement to stop fleeing vehicles. The impact caused both the trooper’s patrol car and the suspect’s Mercedes to leave the roadway and strike a guardrail. The collision resulted in significant vehicle damage, as seen in the incident photo, with the front end of the trooper’s patrol car heavily crushed.
Trooper Airlifted With Injuries; Two Occupants Arrested
FHP confirmed that the trooper sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to a nearby hospital for further treatment. Officials have not released the trooper’s identity but reported that they are expected to recover.
Both the 19-year-old driver and their 21-year-old passenger were taken into custody after the crash. The passenger reportedly had an active warrant out of Broward County, leading to an additional arrest.
Authorities did not immediately specify the charges the driver will face, but fleeing and eluding law enforcement is typically considered a felony under Florida law, especially when it results in injury or property damage.
Christmas Day Incident Highlights Dangers of High-Speed Chases
Law enforcement officials emphasized that pursuits on major highways like I-95 carry elevated risks, particularly during heavy holiday travel periods. High-speed collisions can easily result in severe injuries or fatalities for both officers and the public.
The PIT maneuver, while effective, can also create unpredictable outcomes at high speeds. In this case, both vehicles veered off the road following impact, underscoring the inherent danger of pursuits involving evasive drivers. Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances leading up to the chase and the actions of the driver before the stop was initiated.
Community Response and Ongoing Investigation
The incident, which occurred on a major interstate during Christmas Day, drew widespread attention across Brevard County. Social media posts from local residents expressed concern for the injured trooper and frustration toward drivers who refuse lawful traffic stops.
Authorities are expected to release additional information as the investigation progresses, including a full list of charges and updates on the trooper’s recovery. For continuing updates on major incidents, law enforcement news, and local safety alerts, follow NapervilleLocal.com for reliable coverage.
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