PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (CBS12) — A man accused of stealing a car from Port St. Lucie reportedly put drivers at risk during a reckless chase before a blown tire brought the pursuit to an end.
Detectives with the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office say they conducted surveillance Thursday when they spotted a Honda Civic circling in the 7-Eleven on Orange Avenue.
As detectives began investigating, the driver sped out of the parking lot headed west on Orange Avenue. They later discovered that the car was reported stolen earlier the same day.
Deputies said the driver, later identified as 32-year-old Savon Damont Montgomery of Fort Pierce, fled through traffic, weaving between vehicles, passing cars, and driving into oncoming lanes as detectives tried to catch up. The vehicle was briefly lost before it was spotted again traveling south on Shinn Road.
See also: Three injured after Florida woman drives into crowd during fight in Fort Pierce
The driver reportedly continued driving recklessly before turning onto Okeechobee Road. Even after detectives activated their emergency sirens, Montgomery refused to stop until losing control on a grassy shoulder and blew out a tire.
After the blowout, Montgomery climbed into the back seat before being taken into custody.
A passenger was also in the car; however, deputies say they were not involved, and they were released at the scene.
Montgomery was subsequently booked on counts of grand theft auto, fleeing and eluding, and driving with a suspended license.
“Every decision this suspect made showed a complete disregard for the safety of others,” Sheriff Richard Del Toro said. “When someone chooses to flee in a stolen vehicle, weave through traffic, and drive into oncoming lanes, they become a threat to every family sharing that roadway. Our detectives remained focused, acted professionally, and brought this dangerous situation to a safe conclusion. That’s exactly what the people of St. Lucie County expect from their Sheriff’s Office.”