MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. — A high-speed pursuit that lasted for 16 miles ended in a fatal crash on U.S. Highway 1 on Sunday.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the pursuit began in Riviera Beach and concluded near Jonathan Dickinson State Park, resulting in a three-vehicle collision involving a Ford Escape, a BMW, and a Land Rover. The driver of the Ford, identified as Walter Turner II, 43, of West Palm Beach, was traveling at speeds up to 100 mph and was ejected from his vehicle, pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities reported that Turner had multiple previous arrests and reportedly was not under the influence at the time of the incident. A 39-year-old woman and two children, ages 6 and 3, from Brookhaven, Georgia, were in the BMW. A 63-year-old woman from Jupiter was driving the Land Rover. All four survivors are expected to recover.
Sheriff John Budensiek stated Turner had been exhibiting erratic behavior leading up to the incident and had stopped taking medication following his father's recent death. The sheriff defended law enforcement's response during the pursuit, emphasizing a duty to protect public safety.
The investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol is ongoing, with toxicology results pending that may clarify details surrounding the crash. Lane closures were in effect during the response and investigation.