MONROE COUNTY, Fla. – A reckless driving incident turned into a high-stakes multi-agency manhunt on Thursday morning, shutting down a stretch of U.S. 1 before ending with a suspect being pulled from the water.
Joshua Derek Guajardo, 40, was arrested on Thursday, following a chaotic pursuit that began near Mile Marker 65. According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), the incident started around 10:49 a.m. when deputies received reports of a Chevrolet Tahoe weaving through traffic and illegally passing other vehicles.
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When deputies attempted to intervene, authorities say Guajardo refused to stop. The Tahoe reportedly accelerated to speeds of 80 mph in a 55-mph zone, driving erratically and nearly striking a patrol vehicle during the chase.
Deputies deployed spike strips at Mile Markers 68 and 69, eventually disabling the vehicle near Mile Marker 70. However, the pursuit didn’t end there. Guajardo allegedly abandoned the SUV and fled on foot, disappearing into the mangroves and entering the water on the oceanside.
During the foot chase, deputies observed an object in Guajardo’s possession that appeared to be a firearm. As a precaution, authorities temporarily closed U.S. 1 in both directions to ensure the safety of passing motorists. No weapon was immediately recovered from the scene.
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A massive law enforcement response descended on the area to locate the fleeing driver. Assets from the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations deployed helicopters and boats, working alongside officers from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).
Guajardo was eventually located in the water and taken into custody.
He faces charges of DUI, fleeing and eluding, and driving with a suspended license, with officials noting that additional charges may be pending. No serious injuries were reported during the incident.
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