Tragedy unfolded during a chase in north Florida involving Lowndes County deputies, resulting in the heartbreaking loss of a child and the apprehension of the driver on Tuesday, as reported by Florida officials on Wednesday.
The pursuit commenced when Lowndes deputies observed an SUV traveling southbound on I-75 near Exit 13 at an alarming speed of 126 mph, recounted Lowndes County Sheriff Ashley Paulk.
In adherence to the rule of hot pursuit, deputies pursued the vehicle into Hamilton County, Florida, maintaining visual contact with the suspect. However, when the fleeing driver attempted to evade stop sticks deployed by Hamilton County deputies, a collision ensued between the SUV and another car, as detailed in the Florida Highway Patrol report.
Tragically, the impact of the collision caused an 11-year-old child from Riviera Beach, Florida, to be ejected from the SUV, resulting in fatal injuries, as per the Florida report. It is important to note that the collision involving the Lowndes deputy's cruiser was not the cause of the accident, clarified Sheriff Paulk.
Meanwhile, the initial car struck by the SUV became engulfed in flames, adding to the chaos of the situation. Those involved were swiftly transported to nearby medical facilities for treatment. Among the occupants were five children, aged 15 years to 5 months, all from Riviera Beach, with varying degrees of injuries, including serious and critical conditions.
Additionally, a 63-year-old man and an 11-year-old from Atlanta, who were in the car that caught fire, sustained minor injuries. The Lowndes County deputy also suffered minor injuries in the collision.
The driver of the SUV, identified as Tisha Andrea Brown, 30, was subsequently arrested by Lowndes deputies. Brown faces charges including false imprisonment and fleeing and attempting to elude law enforcement. It is anticipated that further felony warrants will be issued by the state of Florida.
Amidst this tragedy, our thoughts go out to all those affected by this devastating incident.
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