LEVY COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – We now know more about the deadly high-speed chase that ended in Levy County on Monday.
The Levy County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) says it started when the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) requested assistance pursuing a man wanted in connection with a carjacking in Pasco County.
LCSO says troopers attempted to stop the driver in Crystal River. Deputies got involved as the man drove north on Highway 19 into Levy County.
The sheriff’s office says they deployed stop sticks in Lebanon Station and then again in Otter Creek but were unsuccessful.
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LCSO says the man shot at the deputies and troopers multiple times during this pursuit.
The sheriff’s office says the chase topped speeds of 120 mph and ended when the driver crashed on U.S. 19 near County Road 347 about five miles south of Chiefland.
The driver died in the crash. His name has not been released. He has only been identified as a 35-year-old man.
“We are extremely thankful that this violent criminal was stopped and there were no injuries to any of the Troopers, our LCSO Deputies or members of our public,” said Sheriff Bobby McCallum. “This was a very dangerous situation complicated by high speeds, the exchange of gunfire and the suspect’s total disregard for anyone’s safety, including his own. We pray this type of criminal activity will never affect our community, but yesterday it did, and our professionals were able to stop this criminal before any innocent person was harmed.”