DUI Driver Hits 140MPH While Fleeing Troopers: FL Highway Patrol

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — A driver suspected of driving under the influence hit speeds of 140 mph as he led state troopers on a chase from Tampa into St. Petersburg early Sunday morning, according to Florida Highway Patrol reports.

Troopers suspected Barnard Stokes Jr., 39, of St. Petersburg of DUI and speeding when they first spotted him on Interstate 275 near Interstate 4 just before 3 a.m.

When they pulled him over, Stokes fled the traffic stop, taking I-275 into Pinellas County.

He “drove recklessly at 140 mph around other motorists” as he tried to evade troopers, according to the arrest report.

Using the precision immobilization technique, troopers were able to stop Stoke’s car at 22nd Street N. and 54th Avenue N. in St. Petersburg, FHP said.

He got out of the car and was taken into custody by troopers after a foot chase.

Stokes was charged with fleeing to elude and driving with a suspended license, both felonies, as well as misdemeanor DUI and resisting without violence, the agency said.

He has nine prior convictions for driving with a suspended license and has two prior fleeing to elude charges.