{"id":9459,"date":"2025-04-27T20:59:00","date_gmt":"2025-04-27T20:59:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dailydigest.com\/?p=9459"},"modified":"2025-04-27T20:59:01","modified_gmt":"2025-04-27T20:59:01","slug":"florida-man-offers-cops-vodka-spritzer-during-high-speed-chase","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dailydigest.com\/florida-man-offers-cops-vodka-spritzer-during-high-speed-chase\/","title":{"rendered":"Florida Man Offers Cops Vodka Spritzer During High-Speed Chase"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

HIGHLANDS COUNTY, FL \u2014 April 19, 2025<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Florida delivered yet another headline you couldn\u2019t make up. A man fleeing police<\/a> during a high-speed chase tried to charm officers with a mid-pursuit drink offer \u2014 a vodka spritzer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Richard Smith, 39, allegedly stole several bottles of alcohol<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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, \u201cI was just going to give you a drink!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unimpressed, deputies continued the pursuit until Smith\u2019s vehicle hit a dead end. After a brief standoff, he was tased and taken into custody without serious injury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Smith now faces a stack of charges including aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, DUI, theft, and fleeing and eluding police.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Authorities say Smith had a blood<\/a> alcohol level well over the legal limit. No officers were injured, and no damage was reported apart from the suspect\u2019s vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Highlands County Sheriff\u2019s Office had one thing to say in their official post: \u201cWe\u2019re always up for hospitality, but not like this.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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