Florida has strict laws and very serious penalties for people who choose not to stop for a law enforcement officer. The crime is broken down into several different circumstances, such as general fleeing and eluding, fleeing and eluding with lights and sirens activated, fleeing and eluding with reckless driving, and fleeing and eluding with high speeds or reckless driving causing injury or death. All of the charges are felonies ranging from a third-degree felony to a second-degree felony. For example, if a person is fleeing from police and causes an accident causing injury or death, they will face first-degree felony charges. This can result in up to 30 years in prison as well as a $10,000 fine.
CBS 12 reports that a man fled from police and led authorities on a 100-m.p.h. chase.
The incident began on May 21st when officers were called to a woman’s home when she had a dispute with 22-year-old Jacques Joseph. Joseph allegedly pulled a gun on the woman, who is his girlfriend.
Police located Joseph driving an SUV at a home on NE 1st Street. When police attempted to arrest Joseph, he sped away.
Police allege that during the pursuit, Joseph drove recklessly through the city and got on I-95, where he reached speeds of 100 m.p.h. He was ultimately detained on Linton Boulevard in Delray Beach.
Along the way, police allege that Joseph caused several accidents that involved civilian and law enforcement officers.
Joseph is facing numerous charges including fleeing and eluding.