HIGHLANDS COUNTY, FL — April 19, 2025
Florida delivered yet another headline you couldn’t make up. A man fleeing police during a high-speed chase tried to charm officers with a mid-pursuit drink offer — a vodka spritzer.
Richard Smith, 39, allegedly stole several bottles of alcohol from a local liquor store before deputies spotted his car and attempted a traffic stop. Instead of pulling over, Smith floored it, leading law enforcement on a wild chase through Highlands County.
But in true Florida fashion, things took an unexpected turn. According to police reports, Smith rolled down his window during the pursuit, waved a can of vodka spritzer, and yelled, “I was just going to give you a drink!”
Unimpressed, deputies continued the pursuit until Smith’s vehicle hit a dead end. After a brief standoff, he was tased and taken into custody without serious injury.
Smith now faces a stack of charges including aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, DUI, theft, and fleeing and eluding police.
Authorities say Smith had a blood alcohol level well over the legal limit. No officers were injured, and no damage was reported apart from the suspect’s vehicle.
Highlands County Sheriff’s Office had one thing to say in their official post: “We’re always up for hospitality, but not like this.”
