The Daily Populous Thursday May 8th, 2025 day edition
Authored by clickorlando.com and submitted by barewear2267

HIGHLANDS COUNTY, Fla. – A Florida man is facing charges after he offered Highland County deputies an alcoholic beverage during a bizarre pursuit, the sheriff’s office said.

Around 3 p.m. Saturday, deputies said 39-year-old Richard Christopher Smith of Miami stole several items, including several alcoholic beverages, and walked out of the Spring Lake Market.

Shortly before deputies arrived, they said Smith was in a black minivan, driving circles around the store. He then sped off, launching a pursuit that ended several miles later in the parking lot of a business at the Sebring Airport.

During the pursuit, deputies said Smith held a can of Ketel One vodka spritz out the window as he drove by a deputy trying to get him to stop, telling the deputy, “I was just going to give you a drink, that’s it.” Smith then attempted to ram two patrol vehicles in the midst of getting all four tires flattened by spike strips.

Smith was eventually tased and charged with two counts of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, battery on a law enforcement officer, two counts of resisting arrest, DUI, refusal to submit to a DUI test, and petit theft.

Clay_Allison_44 on May 8th, 2025 at 09:48 UTC »

Next headline "Florida Cop on suspension for drinking vodka spritz given to him by suspect."

Gorthax on May 7th, 2025 at 23:19 UTC »

He was gonna pee on somebody.