SPRING HILL, Fla. — A multi-county traffic chase left three people injured and shut down all lanes of US 19 in Spring Hill, officials said on Wednesday morning.
The Citrus County Sheriff's Office said deputies initiated a vehicle pursuit in Crystal River after encountering a "suspicious person" at the RaceTrac on US 19. During the encounter, the suspect, Efton Wanefield Miller, 56, fled from a deputy in his Ford Bronco, nearly striking several people as he exited the parking lot.
WATCH: Suspect arrested in multi-county traffic chase that left 3 injured
According to deputies, Miller then jumped the median and sped away, but due to early morning traffic and his reckless driving, the supervisor canceled the pursuit.
Later, Miller was seen by other deputies speeding in multiple areas in Crystal River. CCSO said he also attempted to strike a deputy with his vehicle while the deputy was conducting an unrelated traffic stop.
After this, the supervisor authorized another attempt to stop the suspect if he was found again. Deputies later said they saw Miller traveling 86 miles per hour in a 45-mile-per-hour zone with his hazard lights on.
Deputies then attempted another traffic stop near the city limits on US 19, but the suspect fled again, heading south and driving "erratically," including entering oncoming lanes and swerving at other vehicles.
A supervisor requested assistance from the Florida Highway Patrol and the Hernando County Sheriff's Office. FHP then assumed control of the pursuit, with two Citrus deputies providing support.
Officials said Miller brake checked a trooper and the two vehicles collided during the pursuit. When they reached the intersection of Wendy Lane in Hernando County, Miller collided with six vehicles, which deputies said resulted in serious injuries to one driver.
CCSO said Miller then crashed near US 19 and Pepper Street in Spring Hill, and he was taken into custody without further incident.
Deputies found two swords, brass knucles, a bow and arrow, a crossbow, and a police radio in Miller's car.
Since he struck several vehicles during the pursuit, three people were injured and taken to local hospitals. One victim was listed as a trauma alert.
Miller was charged with 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.
CCSO said they received questions about why a PIT manuever wasn't used during the pursuit. They posted this statement on Facebook in response.
CCSO prioritizes the safety of the public, deputies, and suspects during vehicle pursuits. While the PIT (Pursuit Intervention Technique) maneuver can be effective in certain situations, it also carries significant risks, particularly at high speeds or in densely populated areas. Because of those risks, CCSO has determined that the PIT maneuver may not always align with our pursuit policies or risk-reduction strategies.
Instead, we often use safer alternatives to end pursuits safely. These can include coordinated containment, spike strips, or aerial support when available. This approach reflects CCSO’s commitment to preserving life and minimizing the potential for injury or property damage.
It’s important to understand that every pursuit is different, and decisions are made in real time based on evolving circumstances. By avoiding high-risk maneuvers like the PIT, our deputies are able to focus on de-escalation and strategic planning that minimizes the overall danger to our team and puts community safety first.
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