A St. Augustine man was arrested last week after deputies say he led them on a high-speed chase down I-95 in St. Johns County, hitting speeds over 130 mph before finally pulling over with smoke pouring from his sedan.
According to an arrest report, the 46-year-old was spotted around 2:30 a.m. on March 7 traveling an astonishing 128 mph northbound on I-95 near State Road 206 by a deputy in a marked patrol vehicle.
The deputy activated his emergency lights as the man whizzed by, but authorities say the driver continued on without easing off the gas.
Deputies began pursuing the vehicle, with the patrol car reaching speeds exceeding 130 mph while attempting to catch up.
Investigators said the man managed to stay about a quarter-mile to half-mile ahead while weaving through traffic, creating a serious danger to other drivers.
The pursuit continued past the I-95 overpass at State Road 16, where the suspect vehicle briefly blended into slower traffic as other deputies joined the chase.
Authorities said the driver eventually pulled over after his black Acura began billowing heavy smoke from the engine.
After detaining him, deputies said they detected a strong smell of alcohol.
A bottle of Margaritaville liquor was found in his pocket, and another partially full bottle of Tito’s vodka was located in the vehicle during a search, according to the report.
The suspect refused to perform sobriety tests or answer any questions after being read his Miranda rights.
He later refused a breath test at the jail, deputies said.
The suspect was arrested on charges including felony fleeing and eluding, driving under the influence, refusing DUI testing and operating a vehicle over 100 mph in a manner threatening people or property.
