Wild High-Speed Chase Through Two Counties
Arrest Report: On January 31, 2026, at approximately 3:45 p.m., I was on routine patrol in Collier County, Florida, while assigned as a State Trooper with the Florida Highway Patrol (F.H.P.). I was operating a marked F.H.P. patrol vehicle and was positioned facing northbound near mile marker 105.
While on patrol, I saw through our system that the North Port Police Department was involved in a pursuit of a blue four-door Lexus NX bearing South Carolina tag 2207TL. North Port Police Department later lost sight of the vehicle. The Charlotte County Sheriff's Office (case number 2601-024165) subsequently initiated a pursuit of the same vehicle on Interstate 75 southbound (S.R. 93) near Kings Highway in Charlotte County but also lost visual contact.
The Fort Myers Regional Communications Center (F.M.R.C.C.) continued to provide updates on the vehicle's location using FDOT traffic cameras. I began traveling to Lee County to assist with the pursuit.
At approximately 4:15 p.m., Trooper Montes (ID 1647) was able to locate and initiate a pursuit of the vehicle southbound near mile marker 136. Trooper Montes later advised that he exited the interstate at mile marker 131 and re-entered Interstate 75 southbound to continue the pursuit. Trooper Montes requested assistance from the Collier County Sheriff's Office for the deployment of stop sticks.
I made a U-turn at the cut-through median near mile marker 127.5 and was able to back up Trooper Montes and join the pursuit. The suspect, later identified as B/M Wilnick Brutus (DOB: 02/19/2002), continued to flee at a high rate of speed passing vehicles in a manner demonstrating a wanton disregard for the safety of persons and property.
I advised F.M.R.C.C. to contact the Collier County Sheriff's Office to request aviation assistance. F.M.R.C.C. advised that deputies from the Collier County Sheriff's Office were en route with stop sticks. While I was providing updates near mile marker 116-108, Trooper Montes advised that a Collier County Sheriff's Office deputy was in position with stop sticks at mile marker 108. Trooper Montes then advised that the stop sticks were successfully deployed, causing the suspect vehicle to sustain a flat tire.
The suspect exited Interstate 75 at mile marker 107. Trooper Montes advised that he then performed a Precision Immobilization Technique (P.I.T.) maneuver westbound on County Road 896 (Pine Ridge Road), successfully bringing the pursuit to an end. I provided backup and utilized my issued agency ballistic shield to safely approach the suspect vehicle.
Deputies with the Collier County Sheriff's Office assisted by providing cover, allowing access to the passenger side of the vehicle. As deputies and I tactically approached the rear left window, I utilized my issued agency window breaker in an attempt to gain a visual inside the vehicle. A Collier County Sheriff's Office Deputy then assisted by breaking the window out to further gain visual access to the interior cabin.
At that time, the suspect was observed seated in the driver's seat with his hands raised. No other occupants were observed inside the vehicle. I, Trooper Silva, ordered the driver to exit the vehicle. The suspect complied and exited by crawling out through the rear right passenger window. The suspect was then placed into handcuffs by Collier County Sheriff's Office deputies and secured in a FHP marked patrol vehicle for further investigation.
Following the arrest, Trooper Montes conducted a search of the vehicle. During the search, he located three commercially sealed, pre-packaged bags of marijuana with a combined weight of approximately 10.5 grams. The marijuana was placed into an evidence bag. I later relinquished custody of the evidence from Trooper Montes and transferred it to Trooper Peachman, who transported it to the Fort Myers Station, where it was submitted into evidence.
At approximately 4:58 p.m., I placed Wilnick Brutus under arrest for the following charges:
Possession of marijuana under 20 grams, in violation of F.S.S. § 893. (b);
Fleeing and eluding a law enforcement officer at high speed, in violation of F.S.S. § 316.1935(3); and
Driving while license suspended or revoked, in violation of F.S.S. § 322.34(2)(b).
Mr. Brutus was transported to the Collier County Jail in Naples for booking. Due to his felony charges and criminal history, bond was denied pending first appearance. A A Auto towed Mr. Brutus's vehicle, which was placed on a five-day hold for further investigation.