A New Port Richey man was arrested early Wednesday after allegedly fleeing a traffic stop, striking six vehicles, and injuring a driver during a high-speed chase that began in Citrus County and ended in Hernando County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Troopers said they were called to assist the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office after a suspect driving a Ford Bronco fled from a traffic stop and later attempted to ram a deputy conducting an unrelated stop.
The vehicle was intercepted traveling south on U.S. Highway 19 at a high rate of speed. Due to the unsafe speed, troopers were unable to conduct a precision immobilization technique, or PIT maneuver. However, the suspect allegedly brake-checked a pursuing trooper, causing a collision between the two vehicles.
At the intersection of Wendy Lane in Hernando County, the suspect crashed into six other vehicles, resulting in serious injuries to one driver, troopers said.
The suspect, identified as Efton Wanefield Miller, 56, was taken into custody and faces multiple charges, including:
– Reckless driving resulting in serious bodily injury
– Aggravated fleeing to elude involving serious bodily injury
– Aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer
– DUI resulting in serious bodily injury and property damage
– Felon in possession of weapons
– Felon in possession of ammunition
Authorities said Miller’s vehicle contained two swords, brass knuckles, a bow and arrow, a crossbow, and a police radio.
