Florida driver crashes after high-speed chase, jokes about needing a faster car, FHP says
By Samantha Carlson, Edward Franco
Click here for updates on this story
LEE COUNTY, Florida (WBBH) — Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) says a Florida man is facing charges after a high-speed chase Saturday night, during which he crashed his car and later joked with the trooper about getting a faster vehicle.
On May 16 at approximately 10:25 p.m., FHP says a Florida State Trooper observed a Lexus rapidly accelerating to over 100 mph on eastbound State Road 82 near the intersection of Colonial Boulevard, nearly rear-ending two other vehicles.
“He was swerving in and out of traffic, and people thought he was going to go across the median and hit them,” Jessica Enamorado, a Lee County resident, said.
The trooper attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but says the Lexus continued to accelerate, turning onto southbound Daniels Parkway, reaching speeds over 130 mph, and turning off its lights, effectively blacking out.
As the Lexus approached Commerce Lakes Drive, troopers say the driver lost control and rolled into the tree line off the shoulder of the roadway.
FHP identified Yair Alberto Pavon-Rivera as the driver.
He was transported to a local hospital, released, and subsequently arrested for reckless driving, super speeding, and fleeing.
After his arrest, FHP says Pavon-Rivera showed no remorse for his actions.
Troopers say he laughed and asked the trooper, “Should I get a faster car for next time?”
Tire marks, broken car parts, and a damaged sign were left at the crash site.
Witnesses expressed concern about the dangers of speeding. “Not only are you injuring yourself, like it could lead to something very serious, but you’re also putting me, my family, other people’s families, other people’s kids in danger,” Jessica Enamorado said.
Angel Enamorado, another Lee County resident, added, “If you’re going to want to do that, go ahead and do it on a racetrack or, you know, on a dirt road where there’s nobody else around.”
Troopers said the investigation is still active.
Rivera was released from the Lee County Jail on bond.
Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.