Columbia County, FL – A high-speed police pursuit through Columbia County Friday evening ended with a rollover crash and an arrest after deputies say a driver fled at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour.
According to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, the incident happened Friday around 6:25 p.m. when a deputy spotted a red Ford pickup truck matching the description of a vehicle that had recently fled from Lake City Police Department officers. The truck was seen leaving a Wendy’s parking lot and traveling south on State Road 47 in Columbia City.
Deputies say the vehicle had a blown headlight and an expired license tag. When the deputy activated emergency lights and sirens, the driver — later identified as Samuel Elias Watson, 48 — allegedly accelerated and fled.
Authorities say Watson drove into oncoming traffic and reached speeds of more than 100 mph while attempting to evade law enforcement. The pursuit ended when Watson turned onto County Road 240, lost control of the truck, and overturned onto the passenger side on the north side of the roadway.
The passenger exited the vehicle and complied with deputies, telling officers the driver remained inside. After additional commands, Watson exited the truck and was taken into custody. Deputies say the passenger was not injured and was released at the scene.
A search reportedly uncovered marijuana, a methamphetamine pipe, a small baggie of methamphetamine, and another baggie containing cocaine and fentanyl. Watson was transported to the Columbia County Detention Facility after being medically cleared.
Watson was booked on multiple charges, including fleeing and eluding, driving with a suspended license, possession of methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, and drug paraphernalia. Jail records show he is currently being held without bond.
Florida Highway Patrol is conducting a separate crash and DUI investigation related to the pursuit.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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