Tampa Man Fled Police, Crashed Into Multiple Cars Before Arrest: Authorities

POLK COUNTY, FL — A Tampa man was arrested after police said he led authorities on a high-speed chase, during which he crashed into multiple cars before he was eventually taken into custody.

The 35-year-old man, whom the Florida Highway Patrol did not identify, was stopped by authorities shortly before 2:30 p.m. on Friday for traveling 61 mph in a 45 mph zone in Lakeland.

Police said the man initially stopped, but fled when the trooper exited their patrol car.

According to police, the man reached speeds in excess of 100 mph and eventually wrecked into six vehicles at the intersection of CR-540A and Carter Road in Lakeland.

With the assistance of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, police said the man was taken into custody, admitting he was "going back to jail for a long time because there were drugs in the car."

While searching the man's vehicle, authorities found 52.6 grams of cocaine, 135.2 grams of cannabis and 20.2 grams of fentanyl.

It's unclear if the man will face charges.