By Eve 
A driver in central Florida was arrested after deputies recorded a BMW traveling at an extremely high rate of speed on a Polk County highway, according to information released during a sheriff’s briefing.
The incident occurred on Highway 27 in the Waverly area, where law enforcement officers clocked the BMW at 146 miles per hour in a zone with a posted speed limit of 60 mph. Deputies said the vehicle was traveling 86 mph over the limit, creating a dangerous situation for both the driver and others on the road.
Sheriff Grady Judd, who oversees the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, described the driver as a teenager and said deputies believed the individual was attempting to catch up to a friend driving an Infiniti. Because of the speed involved, officers were forced to take evasive action to avoid a potential crash while responding to the vehicle.
After deputies initiated a traffic stop, the driver exited the BMW and ran from officers. Authorities pursued the suspect on foot and located him attempting to hide behind a Grease Monkey oil change business in Dundee. He was taken into custody without further incident.
The driver was transported to jail, and the BMW was towed from the scene. Deputies were unable to locate the Infiniti involved in the incident, though authorities indicated they continue to look for the second vehicle connected to the high-speed driving.
Law enforcement officials emphasized that no injuries were reported as a result of the incident, noting that the outcome could have been far worse given the excessive speed. Deputies said the driver was fortunate to have survived and avoided causing harm to others.
Sheriff Judd used the case to remind motorists across Florida about the serious consequences of extreme speeding. Under state and local enforcement practices, drivers caught traveling at exceptionally high speeds face immediate arrest rather than a citation. Vehicles involved in such offenses are also subject to towing.
The case adds to a growing list of high-speed driving incidents handled by Polk County deputies and serves as another warning about the risks of reckless driving. Authorities continue to stress that excessive speed significantly increases the likelihood of severe crashes and fatalities, urging drivers to follow posted speed limits and drive responsibly.
Shawn Henry