PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — Street racing and going more than 100 mph across the Gandy Bridge — one man is accused of doing just that, according to Florida Highway Patrol troopers.
FHP says a trooper driving westbound along the Gandy Bridge saw it all go down. Just after 11 p.m. Friday, the FHP trooper said he saw a 2013 Nissan GTR also going westbound behind a group of motorcycles.
According to the trooper, the driver, later identified as 27-year-old Joshua Scuddy, slowed to 40 mph before "rapidly accelerating" to over 100 mph. The speed limit on Gandy is 55 mph.
Dashcam video released by FHP shows the moments leading up to Scuddy's arrest. After a few moments of silence, you can clearly hear several engines loudly accelerating on the bridge ahead of the trooper.
In the distance, at least two motorcycles and the Nissan can be seen speeding down the bridge. The trooper quickly accelerates in his cruiser and is able to catch up with the Nissan. The motorcycles weren't able to be stopped, FHP said.
The video shows the trooper following Scuddy's car closely until both cars exit the bridge. After stopping, the trooper is heard explaining the reasons why he pulled Scuddy over. Scuddy was heard denying street racing and attempting to explain to troopers why he slowed down and accelerated along with the motorcycles.
Scuddy was read his Miranda rights and charged with street racing. As he was being searched by troopers, he was asked if he had any weapons or anything dangerous on him. After saying no, dashcam video shows troopers found a gun concealed in Scuddy's waistband.
He was taken to the Pinellas County jail and his car was impounded for 30 days per Florida statute.
According to arrest records, Scuddy has been arrested numerous times for reckless driving.
