An 18-year-old from Florida faces DUI charges after allegedly driving the wrong direction and narrowly missing a head-on crash with a Port St. Lucie police sergeant.
The incident unfolded just after 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, as Jake Abbott, 18, was reportedly traveling against traffic on Okeechobee Road, close to mile markers 123 and 124, according to the Port St. Lucie Police Department.
Abbott came dangerously close to colliding with a sergeant who was on his way home after completing his shift. The officer managed to veer onto the shoulder, avoiding the potential crash.
Quickly responding to the situation, the sergeant communicated his location and the details of Abbott’s vehicle to dispatch, while Abbott allegedly continued to flee the scene.
Despite the near miss, Abbott’s continued wrong-way driving posed a threat to other motorists. To mitigate the risk, the sergeant used his spotlight to alert nearby drivers of the impending danger.
Abbott eventually brought his vehicle to a stop, but he remained on the wrong side of the road. Upon approaching Abbott, the sergeant detected a strong odor of alcohol and discovered an empty can of Twisted Tea inside the car, according to police reports.
The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office launched the investigation and arrested Abbott. He was charged with DUI and fleeing and eluding.
Video of the incident shows deputies placing handcuffs on Abbott, who can be heard saying, “Nah, I hear you guys. You guys gotta do what you gotta do, Boss.”
PSLPD warns that anyone who provides alcohol to a person under 21 can be charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
