146 MPH in a 60 Zone
A driver in central Florida was arrested after Polk County deputies clocked a BMW traveling 146 mph on Highway 27 in the Waverly area, a stretch of road posted at just 60 mph. That put the driver 86 mph over the limit, according to information released during a sheriff’s briefing, creating what deputies described as a dangerous situation for the driver and everyone else on the road.
Trying to Catch Up to a Friend
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said the driver involved was a teenager, and deputies believe the extreme speed was an attempt to catch up to a friend driving an Infiniti. The speeds involved were significant enough that deputies had to take evasive action of their own just to safely respond to the vehicle.
Foot Chase Ends Behind an Oil Change Shop
After deputies managed to initiate a traffic stop, the driver got out of the BMW and ran. Deputies pursued on foot and found the teen hiding behind a Grease Monkey oil change business in Dundee, taking him into custody without further incident. The BMW was towed from the scene, and deputies said they were unable to locate the Infiniti, though the search for that second vehicle is ongoing.
No Injuries, But a Close Call
Officials emphasized that no one was hurt in the incident, but stressed that the outcome easily could have been far worse given the speed involved. Deputies noted the driver was fortunate to have avoided a crash that could have caused serious injury or death to himself or others on the highway.
Sheriff’s Warning to Drivers
Sheriff Judd used the case as an opportunity to remind Florida motorists about the consequences of extreme speeding. Under current state and local enforcement practices, drivers caught traveling at exceptionally high speeds face immediate arrest rather than a simple citation, and their vehicles are subject to towing. The case adds to a growing list of high-speed driving incidents handled by Polk County deputies, who continue to stress that excessive speed dramatically raises the risk of severe crashes and fatalities.