An armed man who reached speeds of up to 120 mph and swerved into oncoming traffic fled on foot last week after deputies disabled his vehicle during a pursuit, according to the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office.
The chase began around 11:07 p.m. on Nov. 12, when a deputy was conducting traffic enforcement on State Road 16 near Whisper Ridge Drive.
The officer reported spotting a blue Infiniti traveling 66 mph in a posted 30-mph construction zone. When he attempted to pull the vehicle over using lights and sirens, the driver — later identified as 22-year-old Eric Williams-Scott — hit the gas, papers state.
The pursuit continued through multiple roadways as Williams-Scott allegedly drove recklessly, reaching 120 mph in a 45-mph zone and cutting into oncoming lanes.
Deputies said he showed “a blatant disregard for the safety of others” as he headed north onto Longleaf Pine Parkway.
Near Roberts Road, the Infiniti began to slow, allowing Cooper to perform a PIT maneuver, which forced the car to a halt.
Williams-Scott bolted from the disabled vehicle but was taken into custody moments later by responding deputies, the sheriff’s office said.
Once detained, Williams-Scott reportedly told deputies there was a firearm inside the car.
A loaded Taurus PT709 9mm handgun — with one round chambered and additional ammo— was found beneath the driver’s seat, authorities said. A search of Williams-Scott also turned up four white pills later identified as Oxycodone. Deputies said he had no prescription.
According to investigators, Williams-Scott waived his Miranda rights and admitted he fled because he believed he had outstanding warrants in Jacksonville and knew he did not have a valid driver’s license.
Records confirmed seven suspensions, an indefinite cancellation, and an active injunction prohibiting him from possessing firearms.
He was medically cleared and booked into jail on multiple charges, including fleeing and eluding, drug possession, driving without a valid license, and violating an injunction.
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