Driver reached triple-digit speeds, dies after self-inflicted gunshot, FHP says
A driver reaching triple-digit speeds, who engaged state troopers on a chase in two counties, has died at a hospital from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, authorities say.
Around 11:35 p.m. Monday, the Florida Highway Patrol said, troopers attempted to initiate a traffic stop on a 2010 Toyota Corolla, for reaching 100 mph on southbound Interstate 75, near mile marker 153, in Charlotte County. The Toyota fled the attempted traffic stop at a high speed, authorities noted.
Troopers said the Toyota exited Interstate 75 at State Road 82, in Fort Myers, and continued to recklessly flee at high speeds.
The Toyota struck a curb, spun out and came to a stop on Colonial Boulevard.
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As troopers approached the Toyota, they observed the driver and sole occupant, a 23-year-old Lehigh Acres man, slumped over in the driver’s seat, with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Troopers rendered aid on scene, and the driver was transported to Gulf Coast Hospital by EMS in critical condition. Authorities didn't release the driver's identity.
Troopers said he died around 6:45 p.m. Tuesday.
Tomas Rodriguez is a Breaking/Live News Reporter for the Naples Daily News and The News-Press. You can reach Tomas at TRodriguez@gannett.com or 772-333-5501. Connect with him on Threads @tomasfrobeltran, Instagram @tomasfrobeltran and Facebook @tomasrodrigueznews.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: FHP: Man critical from self-inflicted gunshot after high-speed chase
