High-Speed Chase Turns Into Demolition Derby!
Arrest Report: On 01/09/2026, I was on routine uniformed patrol assigned to Lee County. At approximately 1029 hours, the Fort Myers Regional Communication Center (FMRCC) advised that Collier County was in active pursuit on I-75 (SR-93) from mile marker 117, traveling northbound, of a stolen black Hyundai Kona bearing Florida tag.
Upon receiving this information, I advised FMRCC that I was en route. My patrol vehicle bears the Florida Highway Patrol insignia, is fully marked, and is equipped with flashing blue emergency lights and sirens.
I proceeded to the mile marker 133 turnaround to wait for the suspect vehicle. Shortly thereafter, I obtained visual contact with the black Hyundai, which was being pursued by a marked Collier County unit and a black unmarked Collier County Sheriff's Office unit. Both units had their emergency lights activated.
I observed the Hyundai approaching my location at a high rate of speed, and it was clear the driver was actively fleeing.
Once the vehicle passed my position, I accelerated, overtook traffic, and positioned myself directly behind the Hyundai. I activated my emergency lights and sirens, and the vehicle immediately increased its speed, reaching approximately 115 miles per hour.
I used my loudspeaker to order the driver to “Pull over,” but the driver continued accelerating. It was evident the driver was aware of my presence and was intentionally attempting to flee and elude law enforcement.
I paced the vehicle at 120 miles per hour and, due to the driver's reckless actions, moderate to heavy traffic conditions, and the extreme speed, I believed the vehicle needed to be stopped to prevent serious injury to the public.
Trooper A. Manios #1700 joined the pursuit and took over radio communications while I focused on the fleeing vehicle.
The Hyundai continued to flee, overtaking traffic on the shoulder. I overtook the Hyundai and positioned myself in front of it in an attempt to slow it down.
As the vehicle approached the area of mile marker 148, I observed it spin as another patrol vehicle conducted a Pursuit Immobilization Technique (PIT). I then turned around and positioned myself directly in front of the suspect vehicle in an attempt to stop it.
The PIT was unsuccessful, and the suspect vehicle accelerated forward, striking the front left side of my patrol car.
Immediately afterward, I turned my vehicle around and observed the suspect attempting to evade additional PIT attempts multiple times until the vehicle was ultimately pinned.
I approached the vehicle and broke the passenger-side window. The suspect, identified by FCIC/NCIC as Michael Sink, was removed from the vehicle, placed in handcuffs, double-locked, and secured in the rear of my patrol car.
Collier County Sheriff's Office deputies arrived on scene and took custody of the suspect driver, transporting him to the Lee County Jail.
The suspect vehicle was inventoried and towed by Wanted Towing.
All events occurred in Lee County, Florida.
As a result of the suspect's actions, a total of four vehicles sustained damage: my patrol vehicle, which received damage to the front left side; another patrol vehicle with front-end damage; a third patrol vehicle with rear-end damage; and the stolen Hyundai Kona, which sustained heavy front-end damage and rear-end damage.
Due to the totality of the circumstances, I charged Michael Lawrence Sink (05/08/1965) with violating Florida Statute 316.1935(4)(a) and 316.192(3)(c)(1).