Suicidal 18-Year-Old Intentionally Crashes into Florida Highway Patrol Car

Photo by Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles | Press Release

Around 5 pm on Wednesday, December 31, 2024, a trooper with the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) was traveling northbound on Interstate 95 (I-95) near mile marker 290 in pursuit of a vehicle with a "Be on the Lookout" (BOLO) alert due to a young driver making suicidal threats.

According to a press release from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, after losing sight of the driver, later identified as 18-year-old Dominic Joseph Guerrisi, the FHP trooper called off the BOLO alert. Shortly after, dispatch regained a visual of Guerrisi, advising troopers he was exiting onto US 1 traveling south, and instructing officers in the area to pursue.

During this time, another trooper positioned on County Road 204 and US 1 witnessed the 18-year-old pass their marked unit, accelerating rapidly as if he were attempting to flee and elude law enforcement. The trooper activated their emergency lights and sirens and began to pursue Guerrisi. Weaving in and out of traffic in an effort to flee, Guerrisi entered a roundabout on US 1 and Old Kings Road, exiting onto Old Kings Road, where the trooper continued their pursuit.
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The pursuing trooper noticed another officer with an auxiliary partner riding with them a bit further down Old Kings Road, with their emergency lights activated. Guerrisi proceeded to drive on the wrong side of the roadway, making a beeline toward the dual-manned vehicle before eventually making contact with their patrol car.

Photo by Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles | Press Release

The trooper who witnessed the incident swiftly responded and approached Guerrisi's vehicle, giving him verbal commands to exit. With the help of the Flagler County Sheriff's Office (FCSO), Guerrisi was placed under arrest and transported to an area hospital to be treated for his injuries.

Dominic Joseph Guerrisi was later booked into the Flagler County Jail, where he is being held on a $100,000 bond while awaiting trial. The 18-year-old struggling with his mental health now faces charges the following charges in connection with the crash:

• Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer (2 counts)
• Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer (2 counts)
• Fleeing and Eluding Law Enforcement
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As of publication, both troopers involved in the crash have been released from the hospital after being treated for their injuries. Neither sustained any life-threatening injuries.

“Your Florida Highway Patrol Troopers and FHP Auxiliary Officers are committed to upholding the law in Florida, courageously being in harm’s way while courteously protecting and serving our residents and visitors," said FHP Colonel, Gary Howze II. "This service includes holding reckless individuals accountable for their choices that endanger innocent others. We are thankful that none of the law enforcement involved were more seriously injured, and grateful for the invaluable assistance from our telecommunication professionals and fellow law enforcement partners.”

Article by Rachael Volpe