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. Deputies were patrolling in an area near MM 102 in Key Largo when they encountered a black Range Rover almost sideswiping the side of the patrol car going south on U.S. 1. The driver momentarily swerved back into their lane but then aggressively cut off another vehicle behind the patrol car, leaving little room for the car maneuver. The Range Rover almost clipped the patrol car’s rear end.
Deputies proceeded to make a traffic stop on the Range Rover near Tarpon Basin. The deputy approached the vehicle and explained the reason for the stop. The deputy said the driver, later identified as Smithers, appeared fidgety and restless. The deputy in the arrest report said he also struggle to form coherent sentences and seemed agitated. The deputy asked if he needed medical attention and proceeded to request assistance for a standardized field sobriety test while she gathered Smithers’ license.
Just as more deputies were arriving to the traffic stop, Smithers fled and raced south through Tavernier and Islamorada. Eventually, 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.
His bond was set at $90,000.
