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 fled from a deputy in his vehicle, nearly striking several people as he exited the parking lot.
According to deputies, the suspect then jumped the median and sped away, but due to early morning traffic and his reckless driving, the supervisor canceled the pursuit.
Later, the suspect 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 the suspect 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.
CCSO said the suspect then crashed near US 19 and Pepper Street in Spring Hill, and he was taken into custody without further incident.
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.
The Hernando County Fire and Rescue Department said all southbound lanes of Applegate Drive remain closed while one northbound lane is open.
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