Florida Man Arrested After High-Speed Chase and Six-Vehicle Crash in Lakeland

A dangerous high-speed chase in Lakeland ended with a six-vehicle crash and the arrest of a Tampa man on multiple serious charges, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP). The incident underscores the extreme risks fleeing drivers pose to the public and the significant criminal and civil consequences that can follow.

FHP reports that the incident began when a trooper attempted to stop a vehicle for traveling 61 mph in a 45 mph zone. The driver, later identified as Jerell Carr, 35, of Tampa, initially slowed but then sped away as the trooper exited his vehicle.

Authorities say Carr accelerated to speeds exceeding 100 mph, leading officers on a high-risk pursuit. The chase ended at the intersection of County Road 540A and Carter Road in Lakeland, where Carr crashed into six vehicles.

With assistance from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, law enforcement took Carr into custody at the scene.

According to investigators, Carr reportedly told officers he was “going back to jail for a long time” because there were drugs in the vehicle. During the investigation, authorities recovered the following:

• Cocaine: 52.6 grams (trafficking amount)
• Fentanyl: 20.2 grams (trafficking amount)
• Cannabis: 135.2 grams

Carr now faces multiple charges, including drug trafficking, reckless driving, and offenses related to fleeing law enforcement.

High-speed pursuits place innocent drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and officers at serious risk. Multi-vehicle crashes caused by fleeing suspects often result in severe injuries or fatalities and can leave victims facing long-term medical treatment, lost income, and emotional trauma.

Even when no fatalities are reported, the aftermath can be devastating for those involved in secondary collisions who had no role in the suspect’s actions.

Legal Rights of Crash Victims

People injured or whose vehicles were damaged in a crash caused by a fleeing suspect may have the right to pursue civil claims in addition to any criminal prosecution. Depending on the facts, potential avenues of recovery may include:

• Medical expenses and future care
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Long-term disability or impairment

In some cases, additional parties may share responsibility, including vehicle owners or insurers, making a thorough investigation critical.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent individuals and families harmed by reckless and criminal driving throughout Florida. Our firm intentionally limits its caseload so clients work directly with experienced attorneys who can act quickly to protect their rights.

We assist by:

• Investigating crash dynamics and liability
• Preserving dashcam, bodycam, and surveillance footage
• Coordinating with accident reconstruction experts
• Identifying all available insurance coverage
• Handling communications with insurers and authorities

There are no upfront fees. We only recover if we recover compensation for you.

If you were injured or your vehicle was damaged in a crash caused by reckless driving or a police pursuit, you do not have to navigate the aftermath alone.

📞 Contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm for a free, confidential consultation. We represent clients throughout Polk County, Lakeland, and across Florida.