Two die, two others hospitalized in stolen vehicle crash during pursuit by FHP in Alachua County, FL
Florida Highway Parol (FHP)
Early Saturday morning, April 20, 2024, the Bradford County (Florida) Sheriff's Office requested assistance from the Florida Highway Patrol as they pursued a vehicle that had recently been stolen from Alachua County, Florida, a Honda CR-V compact crossover sport utility vehicle (SUV),
On U.S. 301, a State Trooper with the Florida Highway Patrol joined the pursuit. The trooper noted that the Honda CR-V appeared to be occupied by four people, some of whom appeared to be wearing a ski mask.
In the Waldo, Florida area, still in Alachua County, the Honda CR-V exited U.S. 301, turning onto State Road 24, traveling west. The trooper made intentional contact with the Honda, causing it to decelerate. The Trooper used the break in the Honda's speed to perform a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT maneuver) on the fleeing Honda, intended to stop the vehicle and the threat created by the fleeing suspects. As a result, the Honda rolled over then made contact with a cement pole.
One of the Honda's occupants was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced deceased on scene. Alachua County Fire Rescue transported the other occupants to an area hospital. Upon arrival at the hospital, another occupant was pronounced deceased.
"Our thoughts are with all those impacted by this incident," said Lieutenant Jim Beauford, FHP Chief of Public Affairs. "This criminal investigation is ongoing in cooperation with the Office of the State Attorney – 15th Circuit, Bradford County Sheriff’s, Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Highway Patrol. Additional information will be released when available."