Two FHP Troopers Crash Into Each Other During I-10 High Speed Chase; I-10 Now Back Open

May 12, 2020

[Updated 2:45 p.m.] Two Florida Highway Patrol troopers were injured when they crashed into each other during a high speed chase on I-10 Tuesday morning. All lanes of I-10 are now reopened.

It happened near the I-10 COVID-19 checkpoint at the eastbound weigh station just inside Florida. At least one of the troopers had to be extricated from his vehicle by firefighters. Both troopers were transported to Sacred Heart Hospital where they are now listed in stable condition. One of the troopers is expected to be released from the hospital on Tuesday.

The police chase started in Alabama after the suspect allegedly stole a vehicle from a car dealership in Mobile. Alabama officers chased the vehicle into Florida where FHP became involved. As a FHP sergeant attempted to join the chase, he collided with another trooper, FHP Lt. Robert Cannon said.

The suspect vehicle, a white Chevrolet pickup truck, crashed into the rear of a semi-truck and a guardrail at the Nine Mile Road exit. The suspect fled on foot into the woods but was apprehended a short time later. His name and complete charges have not been released, but Cannon said he is expected to be charged in connection with the stolen vehicle in Alabama, along with Florida charges to include operating a stolen vehicle, fleeing and attempting to allude.

Cannon also said they were originally notified by Alabama that there were potentially narcotics in the vehicle.

FHP only had a couple of minutes warning at best before the pursuit crossed the state line, Cannon said. The COVID-19 checkpoint at the weigh station was temporarily suspended and traffic was allow to flow to reduce the danger to the public.

He said the FHP pursuit policy takes into account the “totality of the circumstances” including road and traffic conditions as well as the offense. Troopers can pursue for known felonies, reckless driving, and impaired drivers, but they are required to call off the pursuit if conditions outweigh the dangers.

Cannon said Tuesday’s incident met the FHP criteria for an allowable pursuit.

First photos above and below: Images for NorthEscambia.com, click toe enlarge. Pictured lower: Traffic camera images from the area.

Comments

8 Responses to “Two FHP Troopers Crash Into Each Other During I-10 High Speed Chase; I-10 Now Back Open”

  1. JOHN on May 13th, 2020 1:39 pm

    Blue Lives Matter. I back the blue.

  2. Mickey Powell on May 13th, 2020 1:10 am

    With a blushing face I stand to be corrected. This mini iPhone led me to my desk top. Each of you just made an A. This wreck or that wreck, my feelings haven’t bulged one airreono. SUV’s are not designed for law inforcement. Nuff said. Thanks Mickey Powell

  3. Beulah brat on May 12th, 2020 11:29 pm

    Dumb

  4. Tammy Henderson on May 12th, 2020 7:53 pm

    @Mickey Powell. Where do you get a mini van was involved…smh.

  5. Niknak50 on May 12th, 2020 5:54 pm

    Hope these fine troopers will be ok. To me the best law enforcement vehicle ever was the Crown Vic. Too bad ford quit making’em.

  6. CW on May 12th, 2020 3:59 pm

    @Mickey

    You make a good point about the officers driving big SUVs like Tahoes, but from what I can tell from the photos it appears the cars involved were Chargers.

  7. Mickey Powell on May 12th, 2020 2:51 pm

    If you have to chase rabbits or idiots then get some low profile vehicle like the Dodge Viper, Ford Mustang or the Chevrolet Camaro type vehicles? Why would anyone even think about putting these young men in A dangerous situation driving a minivan or a mini station wagon in a chase for a thug? What most are driving are too high and highly wind resistance, which makes them want to take off like an airplane. We only live once. Mickey Powell FLomaton

  8. Nicana29 on May 12th, 2020 2:30 pm

    Prayers for all involved. Praying for our LEO’s also.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News