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Volusia County, FL - A high speed pursuit on Interstate 95 in Central Florida ended in a serious crash on Christmas Day, leaving a Florida Highway Patrol trooper injured and a teenage driver under arrest.
According to authorities, the incident began in Volusia County when a trooper observed a vehicle allegedly driving erratically and at excessive speeds along southbound I-95.
When the trooper attempted to conduct a traffic stop, the driver failed to pull over and continued driving, prompting a pursuit.
The chase traveled south into Brevard County as speeds reportedly increased and traffic conditions worsened.
The pursuit came to an end near Titusville when the fleeing vehicle and the patrol car left the roadway and struck a guardrail.
The impact caused significant damage and resulted in injuries to the trooper involved.
Emergency crews responded quickly, and the trooper was airlifted to a nearby hospital.
Law enforcement officials later confirmed the trooper was conscious and responsive following the crash.
The driver, identified through arrest records as a 19 year old woman, was taken into custody at the scene.
She is accused of multiple offenses related to the pursuit, including allegedly fleeing from law enforcement and driving with a suspended license.
A passenger in the vehicle was also detained after authorities discovered an outstanding warrant from another Florida county.
Southbound lanes of I-95 were temporarily shut down while investigators documented the scene and crews worked to clear debris from the roadway.
Traffic was restored later in the day.
The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate the events leading up to the crash, including the actions of the driver and the circumstances surrounding the pursuit.
Additional charges may be considered as the investigation remains ongoing.
