TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A Tampa woman was arrested after troopers said she led the Florida Highway Patrol on a high-speed chase on the Howard Frankland Bridge, crashed and later attacked them.
The FHP said it pulled over 25-year-old Whitney Joseph on Tuesday night on Interstate 275 near mile marker 32.
According to the report, Joseph began arguing with the trooper and then fled the traffic stop, reaching speeds of 132 mph. In the report, the trooper noted that Joseph was driving recklessly and changing lanes at a high speed.
Hillsborough warehouse workers arrested for alleged $75K liquor theft scheme
She eventually tried to pass between two vehicles but was unable to do so and collided with a white car in the inside center lane.
The crash caused her vehicle to overturn multiple times.
Troopers said one of the drivers involved in the crash was “actively having a seizure” when they checked on him and became unresponsive. He was taken to a hospital as a trauma alert. His current condition is not known.
Joseph was taken out of the vehicle and was “extremely combative,” according to an affidavit. She reportedly kicked multiple troopers and bit one of the troopers’ arms.
Investigators said they found a cup inside Joseph’s car that had spilled a clear liquid all over the car and “smelled very similar to rum.”
Joseph was taken to a hospital after the crash.
Troopers said they asked her if she would perform a field sobriety test, but she declined. She also refused to answer if she would provide breath samples, the affidavit said.
Joseph was taken to the Orient Road Jail and charged with driving under the influence, battery on a law enforcement officer and aggravated fleeing to elude.
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.