A Pennsylvania man was arrested early Monday morning following a high-speed pursuit, according to an arrest report from the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies identified the suspect as 39-year-old Merek W. Hronowski of Hillsgrove, Pennsylvania.
He was taken into custody at about 1:54 a.m. after a chase that began shortly before midnight near Interstate 95.
According to the report, a sheriff’s deputy was stationed near I-95 at mile marker 308 when a gray car traveling northbound was clocked at 93 mph in a posted 70 mph zone.
After the deputy activated emergency lights and the vehicle initially stopped on the shoulder, the driver allegedly reentered traffic and then punched it at a high speed.
The report states that Hronowski blew past 100 mph as he fled, exiting I-95 and traveling eastbound on State Road 207.
During the pursuit, deputies attempted multiple PIT maneuvers, but the suspect allegedly “brake-checked” the patrol vehicle in an effort to avoid being stopped.
The deputy eventually executed a successful PIT maneuver near the intersection of State Road 207 and Hilltop Road, bringing the car to a halt. The driver was taken into custody without further incident.
Deputies reported finding multiple open containers inside the vehicle.
After being advised of his rights, Hronowski allegedly told deputies he did not realize law enforcement was trying to stop him.
He also stated that he only had one alcoholic drink.
Breath samples registered blood alcohol levels of 0.049 and 0.050, the report states.
Hronowski was charged with felony fleeing and eluding law enforcement with lights and sirens activated, DUI, reckless driving and operating a vehicle at speeds exceeding 100 mph.
He appears to have a prior out of state criminal history.
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