Jacksonville, FL – A dangerous high-speed chase spanning nearly 30 miles and involving multiple law enforcement agencies ended with the arrest of a hammer-wielding woman who attempted to ram police vehicles and drove recklessly through St. Johns and Duval counties on Wednesday afternoon.
Chase Reached Speeds Over 100 MPH
The incident began around 2:30 p.m., according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO), when deputies attempted to pull the woman over for speeding and reckless driving. Instead of stopping, the suspect allegedly accelerated, waved a hammer out of her window, and attempted to run deputies off the road.
As the pursuit escalated, the Florida Highway Patrol joined in and requested backup from JSO as the woman continued north on Interstate 95, weaving through Jacksonville’s Southside and downtown areas.
Collision on Fuller Warren Bridge
During the chase, the suspect reportedly tried to ram law enforcement vehicles and ultimately collided with a civilian car on the Fuller Warren Bridge. Despite the crash, the woman continued fleeing at high speeds until reaching the Trout River area, nearly 27 miles from the starting point, according to CBS12 News.
PIT Maneuver Ends Pursuit
The pursuit was finally stopped when a JSO patrol officer performed a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver, forcing the suspect’s vehicle to a halt. The woman was taken into custody at approximately 3:05 p.m., and Jacksonville Fire and Rescue evaluated her for possible injuries at the scene.
Facing Multiple Felony Charges
The suspect’s name has not yet been released, but officials confirmed she is now facing multiple felony charges across both St. Johns and Duval counties, including:
- Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon (hammer)
- Fleeing and eluding police
- Reckless driving
- Assault on law enforcement
Investigators are also reviewing additional surveillance and dashcam footage from patrol units involved in the chase.
Dangers of High-Speed Police Chases
High-speed chases pose significant risks to officers, suspects, and the public. In this case, the suspect’s aggressive attempts to ram officers and her use of a hammer as a weapon underscore how quickly a traffic stop can escalate into a life-threatening situation.
Authorities encourage drivers to always comply with law enforcement and warn that attempting to flee can result in severe legal penalties and put countless lives at risk.
What are your thoughts on high-speed pursuits and public safety? Share your opinions in the comments.
