Man dies in accident during chase

JACKSON COUNTY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) authorities said a man caused a crash and was killed while leading a trooper on a chase.

FHP officials said that around 3:20 p.m. Saturday, a trooper attempted to stop an unlicensed motorcycle on eastbound Interstate 10 between the 102 and 104 mile markers in Washington County.

The FHP report on the incident states that when the trooper attempted to stop the motorcycle, it sped away. The report states that during its escape, the motorcycle drifted into the median and shoulder at some points, reaching speeds of approximately 142 miles per hour.

According to police, the chase continued on I-10 into Jackson County, where the motorcyclist attempted to exit onto State Road 71. They said while attempting to take the exit, the motorcyclist lost control of his motorcycle and crashed.

The report states that when the police officer pursuing the motorcycle arrived at the scene, he began to perform CPR on the motorcyclist and called emergency services and backup.

Authorities said the motorcyclist, a 34-year-old man from Orange Park, died.

Investigators said they learned the motorcycle was not registered or insured and did not have a license plate. They also said they learned the motorcyclist did not have a driver's license or motorcycle registration.

According to the report, the investigation is ongoing and is being conducted by the Florida Highway Patrol's Traffic Homicide Unit.

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