Florida Man Leads 100-MPH Police Chase in the Keys, Crashes Into Boat on U.S. 1
MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA — A high-speed police chase through the Florida Keys ended in chaos Tuesday evening when a 23-year-old driver slammed his Range Rover into a boat being hauled along U.S. 1, after reaching speeds of more than 120 mph.
The suspect, identified as Christopher Brinkley Smithers of Great Falls, Virginia, was arrested after a tense pursuit involving both the Florida Highway Patrol and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities say Smithers fled a traffic stop near Key Largo and led troopers on a 14-mile chase before crashing.
Chase Began After Deputy Pulled Over Suspicious Driver
The incident began around 4:30 p.m. near mile marker 101.4 in Key Largo when a sheriff’s deputy attempted to pull Smithers over for nearly sideswiping her patrol car. According to the deputy’s report, the driver appeared “fidgety, restless, and struggled to form coherent sentences.”
As another deputy arrived to conduct a sobriety test, Smithers suddenly sped away, heading south toward Islamorada.
Reaching Speeds Over 120 MPH
Troopers said Smithers hit speeds of up to 122 mph along a stretch of U.S. 1 where the speed limit ranges between 45 and 55 mph. During the chase, he reportedly weaved in and out of traffic and nearly struck several vehicles.
Officers attempted multiple tactical ramming maneuvers, eventually forcing Smithers’ SUV off the road. The Range Rover then careened into a twin-engine center console boat being hauled by a pickup truck in the southbound lanes.
Troopers Arrest Suspect at Gunpoint
After the impact, troopers surrounded the vehicle and ordered Smithers out at gunpoint. According to the incident report, he initially resisted arrest before being restrained. Paramedics from Monroe County Fire Rescue treated him at the scene and later transported him to Mariners Hospital for evaluation before booking him into jail.
Authorities confirmed Smithers had been traveling from Virginia to South Florida, though his motives for fleeing remain unclear.
Suspect Displayed Erratic Behavior
Investigators described Smithers as “erratic and incoherent” during questioning, raising concerns about possible impairment. Toxicology tests are pending, and officials have not yet confirmed whether drugs or alcohol played a role in the chase.
“His driving put countless people in danger,” a Monroe County deputy said. “It’s fortunate no one else was seriously hurt or killed given how reckless this was.”
Facing Multiple Felony Charges
Smithers is now facing a list of charges, including:
- Fleeing and eluding law enforcement at high speed
- Resisting arrest
- Reckless driving
- Property damage
The crash caused significant damage to both the SUV and the boat, though no major injuries were reported.
A Reminder of Florida’s Wild Road Incidents
The dramatic chase has gained viral attention under the hashtag #OnlyInFlorida, as footage shared online shows patrol cars racing down U.S. 1 in pursuit. Social media users called it “another unbelievable Florida Keys story,” noting the growing trend of extreme police chases across the state.
Authorities are reminding drivers that high-speed pursuits in the Florida Keys are especially dangerous due to narrow roadways, heavy tourist traffic, and limited escape routes.
Smithers remains in Monroe County Jail awaiting a bond hearing.
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