A St. Petersburg man found himself in custody early Sunday morning after allegedly leading a Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) trooper on a high-speed chase while intoxicated, court documents reveal.
According to arrest affidavits, the incident unfolded at 2:44 a.m. when a trooper initiated pursuit of Barnard Stokes Jr., 39, traveling south on I-275 in a white Chevrolet Camaro. Stokes reportedly reached speeds of 140 mph while recklessly passing other motorists. However, the pursuit culminated in a PIT maneuver executed by the trooper at the intersection of 22nd Street North and 54th Avenue North, disabling the Camaro.
Despite the vehicle being disabled, Stokes attempted to flee on foot but was promptly apprehended by authorities. Upon evaluation, troopers noted signs of impairment, including bloodshot and watery eyes, a strong odor of alcohol emitting from his breath, and poor balance during field sobriety tests.
Subsequent investigation revealed the presence of an alcoholic beverage and marijuana, both burnt and unburnt, inside Stokes’ car. As a result, Stokes faces multiple charges, including fleeing to elude, driving under the influence, and driving with a suspended license.
The FHP disclosed that Stokes had accumulated nine prior convictions for driving without a valid license and had previously faced two charges for fleeing. This latest arrest underscores the dangers of reckless driving and the consequences of operating a vehicle while impaired.
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Authorities are committed to ensuring the safety of road users and holding individuals accountable for their actions behind the wheel. Stokes’ apprehension serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible driving behavior and the enforcement of traffic laws to prevent potential harm to others on the roadways.