ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Florida troopers arrested a man overnight Sunday who sped south on Interstate 275 in Pinellas County, reaching speeds of 140 mph, authorities said.
Barnard Stokes Jr., 39, faces several charges, including feeding to elude, driving with a suspended license, driving while under the influence and resisting without violence.
This is Stokes' 10th offense for driving with a suspended license, according to the Florida Highway Patrol — he previously was convicted nine times, it added. He also has two prior charges of fleeing to elude on his record, the agency added.
Troopers said Stokes' Chevrolet Camero was first spotted in Tampa on I-275 near I-4 where authorities believed he was drunk driving and speeding. He fled a traffic stop and continued into Pinellas County, eventually hitting 140 mph, FHP said.
"The Camaro drove recklessly at 140 mph around other motorists as it fled from me," a trooper wrote in an arrest affidavit.
The car became disabled at about 22nd Street and 54th Avenue in St. Petersburg, and Stokes ran off, FHP said. The trooper eventually caught up and placed him under arrest.
"The defendant was remorseful and admitted fleeing," said the trooper, adding that Stokes refused a breath test.