A 23-year-old Great Falls, Virginia, man was arrested on Tuesday following a pursuit on U.S. 1 in the Upper Keys that involved multiple law enforcement agencies and ended with the suspect striking a trailered boat.
The incident began when the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office stopped a southbound Range Rover SUV driven by Christopher Brinkley Smithers for reckless driving near MM 102 at approximately 4:40 p.m. Smithers fled from the traffic stop and raced south through Tavernier and Islamorada, as FHP joined in the pursuit.
Witnesses say the vehicle operated by Smithers turned into Founders Park, zoomed down to the beach before turning around and attempting to turn out of the park. Troopers stayed close to the SUV as Smithers drove across U.S. 1 to the Old Highway before crossing back onto U.S. 1.
The chase ended in front of Founders Park after Smithers struck a center console boat trailered by a pickup truck.
There were no major injuries reported. He’s facing three felony charges for fleeing and eluding police and drug possession. He’s also charged with misdemeanors for DUI, moving traffic violations, hit and run, resisting an officer and public order crimes.
