Orlando man took off on foot after crashing into SUV while trying to evade troopers: FHP

In a troubling incident that underscores ongoing traffic safety issues, 31-year-old Jason Christopher Smalls from Orlando was arrested after fleeing a traffic stop and crashing into another vehicle on I-275 on Friday night. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, troopers first spotted Smalls driving a Ford Focus erratically, prompting them to initiate a traffic stop. Instead of complying, Smalls accelerated, leading to a high-speed chase that ended when he lost control of his vehicle on the exit ramp. He struck two roadside signs before colliding with a Jeep Grand Cherokee, which was traveling eastbound. The occupants of the Jeep, a 42-year-old woman and a 17-year-old girl, fortunately sustained only minor injuries and were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Following the crash, Smalls fled on foot but was quickly apprehended by law enforcement. He now faces multiple charges, including reckless driving involving injury and property damage, fleeing and eluding police, and driving with a suspended license. This incident serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by reckless driving and the importance of adhering to traffic laws for public safety.