JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A driver who had struck three pedestrians and then left the scene in the New Town area was later spotted and pursued by police before crashing into a light pole at Beach Boulevard and I-295, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
The driver, later identified at 29-year-old Billydee Williams, was charged with eluding police with disregard for safety and reckless driving.
Recommended Videos
JSO Lt. Nassim Mana said a call came in at 3:50 a.m. Tuesday about a white Dodge Charger with a red stripe on the roof that hit three pedestrians who were on the grass shoulder at Kings Road and Minnie Street in the New Town area.
The driver sped away from the scene, leaving one pedestrian in life-threatening condition. The other two suffered serious injuries but were stable, Mana said.
Shortly after the crash, a patrol sergeant spotted the Charger driving fast downtown and tried to pull the driver over with lights and sirens, but he refused to stop, Mana said.
According to his arrest report, Williams sped over the Hart Expressway onto Beach Boulevard at speeds over 120 mph.
Mana said the sergeant pursued the Charger down Beach Boulevard as the driver ran numerous red lights until the Charger struck a light pole at Beach Boulevard and I-295.
The arrest report said when Williams tried to get out of the car, an officer blocked him in with a cruiser and Williams was arrested at gunpoint.
Williams suffered minor injuries and was taken to a local hospital for treatment. Hit-and-run charges are pending.
No officers were injured, Mana said.