MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. — A wrong-way driver traveling over 100 mph died after crashing into two vehicles on U.S. Highway 1, injuring four others on Friday evening.
According to the Martin County Sheriff's Office, the incident occurred just before 5 p.m. following a report from the Jupiter Police Department about a vehicle headed northbound in the southbound lanes.
Authorities said a U.S. Border Patrol agent initially spotted the vehicle near Broadway Street and U.S. 1 in Riviera Beach and attempted to pull it over. The pursuit, which involved multiple agencies including Juno Beach and Jupiter Police Departments, lasted nearly 16 miles.
Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek reported that Jupiter Police managed to deflate one tire using stop sticks on a bridge. During the chase, the suspect allegedly attempted to run over an officer.
The pursuit concluded in Hobe Sound when the suspect crashed into two vehicles, veered off U.S. 1 near Jonathan Dickinson State Park, and caught fire.
Officials confirmed the driver was ejected from the vehicle, and first responders performed CPR, but the individual was pronounced dead at the scene.
Four others sustained injuries, including a 6-year-old child with internal injuries who was airlifted to St. Mary's Medical Center. A 4-year-old child and two adults were also injured but are expected to survive.
Investigators noted the vehicle's registration belonged to an elderly woman in South Florida, but the driver's identity remains unknown as fingerprint analysis is pending.
“This was a crash involving speeds well over 100 mph,” Budensiek stated, highlighting the extensive debris spread from the scene.