Driver arrested after pursuit

Описание: One person is in custody following a pursuit that occurred on March 2, 2023.
In the afternoon of March 2, 2023, Deputies responded to the IG Center located at 1590 9th Street SW after receiving a report of 3 male subjects breaking into parked vehicles.

It is estimated that the males entered approximately 25-30 vehicles at that location.
Through investigation, Deputies were able to identify a suspect vehicle which was a white newer model BMW 430i. The vehicle information was quickly entered into our license plate reader technology.

Approximately one hour later the same vehicle was captured on the LPR technology in the northern part of Indian River County. Deputies quickly responded to the area to locate the vehicle.

A patrol Sergeant observed the white BMW in the parking lot of the Sebastian Barber Street Sports Complex. The Sergeant attempted to stop the vehicle but the driver decided to flee recklessly by ramming his vehicle into the front of the patrol vehicle. Thankfully the Sergeant was not injured.

The vehicle fled at high speeds and at times drove on the sidewalk putting pedestrians and other motorists at risk. The IRCSO helicopter followed the vehicle as it continued to drive recklessly at high speeds, driving off the roadway around stopped traffic.

As the vehicle fled southbound on 90th Avenue it made an abrupt U-turn causing a three-vehicle crash resulting in one person being transported to the hospital. Two vehicles were disabled and the third had minor damage.

The driver of the BMW was taken into custody. He was identified as Richard Harris from the Fort Lauderdale area.

Harris has been charged with; Reckless driving resulting in serious bodily injury, aggravated fleeing and eluding, leaving the scene of a crash with property damage, driving with no valid license as well as numerous counts of auto burglary.

Harris is currently in the Indian River County Jail being held on a $530,000 bond. The investigation continues for the other suspects.

The Indian River County Sheriff’s Office is dedicated to keeping the community safe from criminals who come to our county in an attempt to commit crimes.

As a reminder, please make sure you always lock your vehicle.