PENSACOLA, Fla.- Yesterday, while patrolling the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Memphis Avenue in Pensacola, the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) observed a vehicle traveling above the posted speed limit with illegally tinted windows acting suspiciously, trying to conceal himself by lowering his posture and attempting to hide behind the b-pillar in his vehicle.
The Trooper made a U-Turn with the intent of conducting a traffic stop. The suspect vehicle, a black Infiniti sedan, also made a U-Turn and pulled into a driveway on Fairview Avenue. The Trooper then activated his emergency lights and sirens to ensure the driver was aware that he was initiating a traffic stop. Despite the Trooper’s attempts to stop the vehicle, the suspect began backing out of the driveway. In response, the Trooper initiated a low-speed Precision Immobilization Maneuver (PIT) to prevent the suspect from fleeing.
The driver was able to drive out of the maneuver and began traveling westbound on Michigan Avenue at more than 100 miles per hour in a 40-mile-per-hour zone while it was raining. As the driver continued attempting to evade law enforcement, he failed to maintain a single lane and drove in the wrong direction before losing control of the vehicle, crossing the eastbound travel lanes, and running into a pole.
The suspect began exiting the vehicle on foot, and the Trooper released K9 Colt, who maintained the apprehension while Troopers placed the suspect, now identified as Najee Izeal Rich, 25, under arrest.
Rich was quickly identified as having an active warrant issued by Escambia County Sheriff’s Office for Attempted Homicide, Robbery/ Home Invasion with a Firearm, and Making a False Police Report.
After receiving treatment at Baptist Hospital, Rich was transported to the Escambia County Jail without incident.
