PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. – A reckless driver’s attempt to evade law enforcement resulted in a dramatic crash and multiple injuries in Pinellas County on Friday evening.
According to Florida Highway Patrol, at approximately 8:38 PM, Troopers initiated a pursuit after observing a Ford Focus driving recklessly on I-275. The driver, later identified as 31-year-old Jason Christopher Smalls of Orlando, refused to stop and led Troopers on a high-speed chase southbound on I-275.
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Smalls exited onto 38th Avenue North and lost control while attempting to pass traffic on the left shoulder of the exit ramp. The vehicle collided with two roadside signs before crashing into a Jeep Grand Cherokee traveling eastbound on 38th Avenue North.
Following the collision, Smalls fled the scene on foot but was quickly apprehended by Troopers.
He now faces multiple charges, including reckless driving involving injury and property damage, fleeing & eluding, driving while license suspended as a habitual traffic offender, and leaving the scene of a crash involving injury and property damage.
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The occupants of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, a 42-year-old female and a 17-year-old female, both from St. Petersburg, sustained minor injuries and were transported to a local hospital for treatment.
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