Overview
- Police identified the driver as Jake Abbott, 18, who was going the wrong way on Okeechobee Road near mile markers 123 and 124 just after 1:30 a.m.
- A PSLPD sergeant swerved onto the shoulder to avoid a head-on crash, radioed dispatch with the vehicle description, and used a spotlight to warn other motorists.
- Abbott briefly fled and then stopped facing the wrong direction, where officers noted a strong odor of alcohol and empty spiked-beverage cans, including Twisted Tea.
- The St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office took over the investigation and arrested Abbott on charges of DUI and fleeing and eluding; his vehicle was towed and he was booked into the St. Lucie County Jail.
- Two passengers were in the vehicle during the incident, and police reminded the public that providing alcohol to anyone under 21 can lead to contributing-to-delinquency charges.