Helicopter chase ends with driver crashing through trail bridge in Hillsborough County
By: A police pursuit that spanned for several miles through Hillsborough County came to an end Wednesday after the suspect reportedly crashed into another vehicle and went through a trail bridge.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said the pursuit was initiated around 10:40 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 10 after the driver fled from a traffic stop near Branch Forbes Road, north of Interstate 4.
A helicopter crew monitored the suspect’s vehicle as it continued on for several miles through Dover and Plant City.
Authorities said the suspect was “driving recklessly,” with video footage from the helicopter showing the vehicle swerving in and out of traffic on a two-lane road.
Deputies were able to deploy stop sticks on U.S. Highway 92, and not long after, the suspect could be seen hitting another vehicle and crashing through a walking bridge.
The driver was then taken into custody for fleeing and eluding, the sheriff’s office said.
“This incident highlights the teamwork and dedication of our patrol deputies and Aviation Section, who worked seamlessly to track and arrest a suspect determined to evade the law,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Thanks to their swift actions, we resolved this situation without further harm to our community.”