MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. — A man died in a crash following a 16-mile police pursuit near Jonathan Dickinson State Park on Sunday.
Walter Turner II, 34, was driving a vehicle registered to his mother when he reached speeds of nearly 100 miles per hour and traveled the wrong way. Authorities said the pursuit began in Riviera Beach and ended with a crash that killed Turner at the scene and injured four others, including two young children, ages 6 and 3. All injured parties are expected to recover.
According to Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek, Turner had a criminal history that includes at least 10 arrests since 2001 and multiple allegations of assaulting his mother.
Turner's mother reported that his behavior deteriorated following his father's death in 2025, prompting her to seek a Baker Act involuntary mental health evaluation, which did not occur. “He had been off his medication, acting extremely erratic,” Budensiek said.
Investigators discovered a white powdery substance in Turner's pocket during an examination at the medical examiner's office; toxicology results are pending. The Florida Highway Patrol is conducting the investigation to ascertain the cause of Turner's erratic behavior during the incident.
Witnesses reported multiple minor collisions during the pursuit, with damages to mirrors of other vehicles along the route. “It's my understanding that some cars had their mirrors hit or knocked off,” Budensiek said.
This incident continues to be investigated as authorities focus on confirming additional details.