A career criminal is facing a slew of new charges after being arrested for driving through an active race course while intoxicated, authorities in Florida say.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) just released dashcam footage of the harrowing incident, which unfolded on May 16.
Athletes were competing in IRONMAN Jacksonville when the driver of a white sedan plowed through the marked run and bike course.
JSO Officer Ernesto Valerio immediately began pursuing the vehicle at high speed, with race participants narrowly avoiding collisions on several occasions.
The suspect was temporarily corralled by Valerio’s patrol car and an officer on motorcycle when he suddenly left the roadway and sped off again.
He reached speeds of 60 mph before abruptly making a right turn and striking another vehicle stopped at a light.
Officer Valerio’s vehicle slammed into the suspect’s vehicle, but he continued onward after the collision.
“We’ve got to stop this guy. He’s going to kill someone,” Officer Valerio stated over the radio.
Moments later, Valerio utilized a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT), neutralizing the suspect’s car as other officers rushed to pull him from the vehicle at gunpoint.
Darrell Simon, 62, was hit with his third DUI charge in 10 years, along with five more felonies, including driving on a suspended or revoked license and resisting an officer without violence.
Described as a “habitual felony offender” by local media, Simon reportedly faces up to 7 years in prison if convicted.
Miraculously, no athletes or bystanders were hurt during the rampage.
One Response
7 years, that will learn em, yep.
…habitual felony offender.
Imagine if this was not a felonious recidivist, the time served would be ridiculous.