A stolen Mercedes SUV driven by 20-year-old Richard St. Leger, of Pompano Beach, barreled through multiple counties reaching speeds exceeding 178 mph along Florida’s turnpike and parts of I95.
Law Enforcement from several agencies attempted to stop the man, but those attempts failed and the danger moved from Orange County, through Osceola, Indian River, Okeechobee, St. Lucie County, and then into the final destination, Martin County.
A “Be On The Lookout” from FHP prepared Martin County Sheriff’s Deputies, Aviation, K-9, and dispatch for the incoming vehicle at a high rate of speed, MCSO said.
MCSO attempted a traffic stop southbound at the 101-mile marker, but St. Leger refused to stop. Because of St. Leger’s dangerously excessive speeds, MCSO terminated the ground pursuit, but AIR 1 stayed with the vehicle while dispatch prepared deputies with stop sticks at the 96-mile marker.
At this point, the vehicle was traveling 150 mph with the headlights off. As it approached mile marker 96 (near Kanner Highway), deputies deployed stingers and successfully deflated the tires which brought the vehicle to a stop.
Still, St. Leger refused to give up. Instead, he got out of the vehicle and fled on foot into the wooded area. Multiple deputies followed along with K-9 Zorro.
After St. Leger ignored multiple commands to surrender, K-9 Zorro was deployed into the woods ending this dangerous criminal joyride.
After leading law enforcement on a pursuit that spanned hundreds of miles, St. Leger was finally captured.
The 20-year-old now faces multiple charges including grand theft of a motor vehicle, fleeing with a disregard for safety, and obstruction. The passenger in the vehicle, 28-year-old DeVonte Martin of Boynton Beach was also arrested.
“Every agency and every person on-shift last night, from dispatch, Aviation, K9 to Road Patrol, did an outstanding job ending this pursuit with no injuries or loss of life,” said Martin County Sheriff’s Office.
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