A chase ended dramatically on Alligator Alley Thursday when Florida Highway Patrol troopers used a PIT maneuver to stop a dangerous driver. Tests revealed the driver was both drunk and high.
Just before 1 p.m. on Thursday, Abberdean Audrea Lewis led law enforcement on a pursuit down I-75 in Collier County.
According to Lt. Gregory Bueno of the Florida Highway Patrol, troopers responded around mile marker 82 to assist the Collier County Sheriff's Office in stopping a reckless driver.
“The driver continued to elude law enforcement, posing a danger to the public,” Bueno said. “The vehicle needed to be stopped. Florida Highway Patrol performed a PIT maneuver, where we intentionally struck the vehicle to spin it out. Thankfully, there were no injuries.”
Photos show the extent of damage to the front end of Lewis’s black car. The vehicle was later towed away and impounded.
Troopers reported that Lewis appeared groggy, disoriented, and slurred her words, making it impossible for her to perform a field sobriety test. Troopers found an open bottle of Patron tequila on the floorboard of the right rear seat. Lewis’ blood alcohol level was .214, nearly three times the legal limit. She also had THC in her system.
“She was charged with felony eluding law enforcement,” Bueno said. “She was drunk, had THC in her system, and was a danger to the public.”
Lewis was taken to NCH Baker Hospital Downtown and admitted for a medical observation period due to her severe impairment. As of now, she has not been booked into the Collier County Jail.