Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood joins high-speed pursuit of suspect fleeing traffic stop
The Brief
A suspect fled a traffic stop in New Smyrna Beach, leading to a high-speed chase on I-95.
Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood, who happened to be nearby, joined the pursuit.
The suspect, with a lengthy criminal record, was eventually captured and faces more charges.
NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. - A suspect fleeing from a traffic stop in New Smyrna Beach unknowingly led law enforcement on a high-speed chase — tailed by none other than Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood, himself.
What we know
A suspect fled from a traffic stop in New Smyrna Beach, leading to a high-speed chase on I-95 south toward Brevard County. Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood, who was nearby, joined the pursuit. The suspect, with a lengthy criminal record, was eventually caught and faces new charges.
What we don't know
Details about what triggered the initial traffic stop, the suspect's identity, and the specific new charges have not been disclosed.
Timeline
The chase began yesterday during a routine traffic stop, escalated when the suspect sped onto the interstate, and ended with his capture after Sheriff Chitwood joined the pursuit.
What they're saying
A suspect fleeing from a traffic stop in New Smyrna Beach unknowingly led law enforcement on a high-speed chase—tailed by none other than Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood himself.
Deputies say the pursuit began when the driver sped away from a stop and headed south on I-95 toward Brevard County. Sheriff Chitwood, who happened to be nearby, joined the chase.
"I had just filled up my gas tank, so I told him, 'We can go to Miami if you want,'" Chitwood said. "Eventually, we're going to get you."
The suspect, who authorities say has a long criminal history, was eventually captured and now faces additional charges.
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The Source
This story was written based on information shared by the Volusia County Sheriff's Office and Sheriff Mike Chitwood.
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