In a tragic turn of events on Thursday, a high-speed pursuit involving a stolen sheriff’s patrol car led to a horrific accident in Florida, resulting in three fatalities including the suspect’s, officials reported.
Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods recounted the details during a press conference on Friday, describing how the incident unfolded when deputies were dispatched to investigate a “suspicious incident” at a shopping center in Silver Springs. The perpetrator, identified as 33-year-old Kendra Boone, was allegedly attempting to seize keys from an elderly lady.
The ensuing chaos began at approximately 2 p.m. when Deputy Chris Witte, who arrived to handle the situation, instructed Boone to wait behind his vehicle as he momentarily stepped away. Contrary to his instructions, Boone seized the opportunity to commandeer Deputy Witte’s SUV, entering through an unsecured passenger window, as captured on bodycam footage.
Efforts by Deputy Witte to halt Boone proved futile as she accelerated the police SUV out of the parking lot, despite his attempts to physically restrain her. A high-speed chase ensued with Boone pushing the patrol car beyond 100 miles per hour and driving recklessly in an attempt to escape pursuing deputies along East Highway 40.
Sheriff Woods detailed that the chase came to a devastating conclusion when Boone collided head-on with oncoming traffic, resulting in her death as well as the deaths of two other individuals whose identities have yet to be disclosed.
“This senseless act of taking a police vehicle has ended in an avoidable tragedy, claiming multiple lives,” Sheriff Woods expressed, mourning the loss and advising further information will be released following ongoing investigations.
The Sheriff’s Office extends their condolences to the families of those involved and reiterates a commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the community against such unlawful acts.