A Sebastian man was arrested after leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase that started in Indian River County and extended into St. Lucie County.
On July 4, 2024, at around 10:35 p.m., a Florida Highway Patrol trooper became involved in a high-speed pursuit on Interstate 95 (I-95) in Indian River County.
The trooper was positioned at mile marker 144 southbound when his attention was drawn to a truck barreling down the highway when his radar device confirmed the speed reading of 95 mph, approximately 25 mph over the speed limit.
As the FHP attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the truck, the driver accelerated, ignoring emergency lights and siren, leading to a high-speed pursuit spanning multiple jurisdictions.
The FHP identified the driver as Lance Edwin Evans, 40, of Sebastian, Florida. The chase escalated as Evans drove at speeds between 105 and 115 mph, recklessly navigating all lanes of traffic.
He then took the Indrio Road exit in Ft. Pierce, where the trooper executed a PIT maneuver with his patrol vehicle, momentarily halting the truck.
However, the Evans managed to escape and fled back onto I-95 southbound, continuing before exiting onto State Road 70 where he ran several red lights and eventually collided with another vehicle at Sunrise Boulevard in Ft. Pierce. Once again, Evans fled, and both FHP and the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office joined in the chase.
After driving through several residential areas and other PIT maneuver attempts, Evans abandoned the truck and fled on foot, where he was successfully taken into custody.
After conducting a search of the truck, deputies found a concealed Glock semi-automatic firearm with loaded magazines. Evans was transported to HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital for medical evaluation and later to St. Lucie County Jail for booking.
Despite being observed with signs of impairment, Evans refused to cooperate with a DUI investigation, declining voluntary blood testing.
Evans was charged with:
- Flee/elude Police-Aggravated Fleeing W Injury Or Damage
- 2 Counts of Resist Officer-Obstruct W/O Violence
- Moving Traffic Viol-reckless Drive Damage Person Or Property
- Hit And Run-leave Scene Of Crash Involve Damage To Prop
- Dui-unlaw Bld Alch-dui Influence Of Alcohol Or Drugs
- 2 Counts of Assault On Officer, Firefighter, Emt, Ect.
- Possession Of Weapon-or Ammo By Convicted Fla Felon
- Flee/elude Police-flee Elude Leo With Lights Siren Active
He is currently being held at the St. Lucie County Jail without bail.
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