INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — A chase that was sparked after an Indian River County deputy clocked a driver going over 100 mph on 66th Avenue ended in a fight on northbound Interstate 95.
Robert Rogers III faces charges of battery on a law enforcement officer, flee and elude authorities, driving while under the influence, resisting arrest with violence, no Florida drivers license, and leaving the scene of an accident with property damage, according to his arrest report.
Around 9 p.m. Tuesday, in the 3900 block of 66th Avenue, Rogers, 25, was caught on radar going 109 mph southbound, according to the arrest affidavit. He then drove through a red light at 26th Street, continuing to State Road 60, where he went west.
Rogers was weaving using all three lanes of travel and the shoulder, according to authorities. He was going 98 mph in a 45 mph zone and hit 106 on SR 60. He then headed north on I-95, where he allegedly drove at speeds of 119 mph in his Kia.
At the 150 mile marker where active construction workers were present, Rogers lost control, according to the report. He went into the center median, then the vehicle “bounced and jumped around.” After that he took out multiple cones and drove back onto I-95. At the 156 mm Rogers attempted to pass on the shoulder but lost control and drove sideways back onto I-95.
The chase ended when Rogers suddenly pulled over, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Rogers initially held his hands outside the vehicle but would not comply with commands. He exited the car then walked toward the deputy at gunpoint. After making gestures toward the deputy, he continued to walk toward him with his hands behind his back then made made a motion like he was going to shoot the deputy, authorities said.
“I yelled at him telling him that’s not going to work and he continued towards me,” said Deputy Quintero. The deputy holstered his gun, then drew his taser.
The taser seemed to have no effect on the suspect, according to the report. They then fought. The deputy “drive stunned” the suspect three times while fighting until the Rogers complied and was put in handcuffs.
Rogers smelled stongly of an alcoholic beverage, registering a .106% blood alchohol level at the hospital, according to the report. He was hallucinating as well, looking around the room grabbing at things that weren’t there.
Rogers is being held at the Indian River County Jail in lieu of $155,500 bond.