HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. – A series of events unfolded early this morning as a 56-year-old New Port Richey man, identified as Efton Wanefield Miller, was arrested after a high-speed pursuit that originated in Citrus County and ended in a six-vehicle collision in Hernando County.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the incident began when Citrus County Sheriff’s Office deputies attempted a traffic stop on a Ford Bronco.
The driver, later identified as Miller, fled the scene. During the initial attempt to apprehend him, Miller allegedly tried to collide with another deputy engaged in an unrelated traffic stop.
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FHP Troopers intercepted the fleeing vehicle traveling southbound on US-19. Due to the dangerously high speeds, a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver could not be safely executed, troopers say. However, Miller reportedly brake-checked the pursuing Trooper during the pursuit, resulting in a collision between the two vehicles.
The situation escalated further at the intersection of Wendy Lane in Hernando County, where Miller’s vehicle collided with six other vehicles. This multi-vehicle crash resulted in serious injuries to at least one driver.
Following the collision, law enforcement officials took Miller into custody.
A subsequent search of Miller’s vehicle revealed two swords, brass knuckles, a bow and arrow, a crossbow, and a police radio.
He now faces a string of serious charges, including Reckless Driving resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, Aggravated Fleeing to Elude involving Serious Bodily Injury, Aggravated Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer, DUI resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Property Damage, Felon in possession of weapons, and Felon in possession of ammunition.
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