Vehicle driven at ‘extremely high speeds’ during pursuit through Destin, OCSO says

DESTIN, Fla. (WALA) - A dangerous early morning pursuit through Destin ended with the arrest of a 24-year-old Mary Esther man after deputies say he drove at extremely high speeds, endangered other motorists, and refused to stop for law enforcement.

Shortly after 1:25 a.m. Sunday, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office received reports of a white BMW being driven recklessly eastbound on U.S. Highway 98. According to the agency, witnesses reported the vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed and crossing over a raised median.

The OCSO said its deputies found the vehicle near Harbor Boulevard and attempted a traffic stop after observing additional reckless driving. Instead of stopping, the driver accelerated away, allegedly reaching speeds of up to 120 mph in posted 55 mph zones while weaving through traffic, tailgating other vehicles, making aggressive lane changes, and forcing multiple drivers to brake suddenly or take evasive action to avoid a crash, officials said.

The pursuit continued for approximately 3.7 miles before the driver came to a stop in the median near 1334 Miracle Strip Parkway SE. He was taken into custody without further incident, authorities said.

The driver, A dangerous early morning pursuit through Destin ended with the arrest of a 24-year-old Mary Esther man after deputies say he drove at extremely high speeds, endangered other motorists, and refused to stop for law enforcement.

Shortly after 1:25 a.m. Sunday, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office received reports of a white BMW being driven recklessly eastbound on U.S. Highway 98. Witnesses reported the vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed and crossing over a raised median.

Deputies located the vehicle near Harbor Boulevard and attempted a traffic stop after observing additional reckless driving. Instead of stopping, the driver accelerated away, allegedly reaching speeds of up to 120 mph in posted 55 mph zones while weaving through traffic, tailgating other vehicles, making aggressive lane changes, and forcing multiple drivers to brake suddenly or take evasive action to avoid a crash.

The pursuit continued for approximately 3.7 miles before the driver came to a stop in the median near 1334 Miracle Strip Parkway SE. He was taken into custody without further incident.

The driver, Rojai Anthoneil Lawrence, is charged with:

* Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Law Enforcement Officer with Wanton Disregard for the Safety of Persons or Property

* Reckless Driving

No injuries were reported.

Reckless driving puts everyone on the roadway at risk. We appreciate those who promptly reported the dangerous behavior, allowing deputies to respond before someone was seriously hurt! , is charged with fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer with wanton disregard for the safety of persons or oroperty, as well as reckless driving, officials said.

No injuries were reported.