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Hillsborough County, FL - A man was arrested early Thursday morning for driving at speeds exceeding 120 mph while attempting to evade a Florida Highway Patrol trooper.
The incident occurred when an FHP trooper observed 54-year-old Ross Maurice Jones driving a purple two-door vehicle without its tail lights illuminated near US-98 and 10th Street around 3:20 a.m.
The trooper initiated a traffic stop after suspecting impairment as Jones failed to maintain a single lane.
Jones failed to comply, leading to a pursuit where he ran red lights, weaved through traffic, and reached speeds of 123 mph in a 70 mph zone on I-4.
Exiting at Park Road, Jones continued through a third red light onto Frontage Road, traveling west in the eastbound lane.
The trooper employed two precision immobilization techniques, successfully forcing Jones's vehicle into a ditch and causing a collision with a power pole that fell onto a nearby business.
Jones attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended by the trooper, who discovered a firearm in his possession.
Further investigation revealed Jones's multiple felony convictions.
Jones claimed he fled due to a suspended driver's license and was taken into custody and transported to Orient Road Jail.