FHP: Troopers searching for man who drove 35 mph over limit, causing crash

POLK COUNTY, Fla. — Several people are injured following a Sunday morning crash in Polk County, the Florida Highway Patrol said.

>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<

According to a news release, around 12:17 a.m., a trooper was conducting speed enforcement on Ronald Reagan Parkway near Champions Gate Boulevard.

Troopers said a red Ford Mustang passed by the trooper at nearly 80 mph in a 45 mph zone.

But once the trooper was about to chase after the Mustang, the driver turned off the lights and sped out of sight.

Read: 2 dead in crash involving pickup truck, motorcycle in Brevard County

Investigators said the trooper approached Ronald Reagan Parkway and Pine Tree Trail, where he found the Mustang had crashed into a Nissan Pathfinder.

FHP said the Mustang driver and passenger fled from the scene.

Polk County deputies said they found the passenger but have not found the driver, 18-year-old Ramon Santiago-Garcia of Haines City. There was also a second passenger in the Mustang.

Read: Pedestrian dies after crash with crime scene unit vehicle, troopers say

The passenger of the Pathfinder, a 21-year-old woman, and the Mustang passengers, including a 15-year-old boy and a 17-year-old man, were taken to the hospital.

Troopers said the Pathfinder driver, a 22-year-old Davenport woman, is hospitalized in serious condition.

Anyone with information about Garcia should contact FHP by calling *FHP (*347) or Crime Stoppers at **TIPS.

Read: Woman dies after car crashes into tree near I-95 in Brevard County, troopers say

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

©2023 Cox Media Group