FORT PIERCE, Fla. —
A suspected fentanyl trafficker is behind bars after investigators say he sold drugs to a person who later died of an overdose, then led law enforcement on a high-speed chase that reached 115 mph and ended in Martin County.
St. Lucie County Sheriff Richard Del Toro identified the suspect as 43-year-old James Arthur Green, who he said is a 10-time convicted felon.
According to the sheriff, the investigation began after a fatal fentanyl overdose on Oct. 5.
Detectives used the victim’s phone to contact Green, who allegedly returned to the victim’s home Tuesday to deliver more fentanyl. Investigators say Green even sent a picture to the victim’s phone showing where he had left the drugs, unaware that he had been communicating with law enforcement the entire time.
“Obviously, he didn’t know that this person had passed away. We were communicating with them,” Del Toro said.
Later that day, investigators say Green attempted to sell more fentanyl during an undercover operation. When detectives moved in to arrest him, Green fled, striking an unmarked St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office cruiser before leading law enforcement on a pursuit down Interstate 95.
Authorities say the chase reached speeds of 115 mph and continued into Martin County. The pursuit eventually ended near Kanner Highway after Florida Highway Patrol troopers deployed stop sticks and performed a PIT maneuver to stop Green’s vehicle.
Del Toro emphasized the dangers of fentanyl and the importance of removing suspected traffickers from the community.
“This is poison. This is killing our citizens and our community and preying upon people that have substance abuse problems,” Del Toro said. “So I’m very, very happy this person’s off the streets right now.”
Green now faces multiple drug-related charges, along with additional charges connected to the pursuit. He is being held on a $440,000 bond.
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