Florida Man Leads 140 MPH Police Chase with 1,400 THC Vapes and a Gun in the Car
PUNTA GORDA, FL — A 22-year-old man is facing a slate of felony charges after leading Florida Highway Patrol troopers on a dangerous high-speed chase that reached 140 miles per hour and spanned over 30 miles across multiple counties. What started as a routine traffic stop quickly escalated into a reckless flight that ended in a crash, a foot pursuit, and the discovery of a stash of illegal drugs and a loaded firearm.
According to FHP, troopers attempted to stop Jorge Montero, 22, on Interstate 75 near Punta Gorda after clocking him speeding in a Mercedes sedan. Instead of pulling over, Montero allegedly accelerated, initiating a high-speed pursuit that would tear through multiple jurisdictions and put countless drivers at risk.
⚠️ A Reckless Escape Through School Zones and Highways
Authorities said Montero exited the highway at Harborview Road, sped through a school zone, and drove so erratically that other vehicles were forced onto the shoulder to avoid being hit. Troopers reported multiple near-misses with innocent motorists as Montero weaved in and out of lanes, ignoring traffic signals and endangering lives.
After the detour through local streets, Montero re-entered I-75 and continued northbound, with troopers in pursuit. The chase finally came to a halt in Sarasota County, when Montero exited the interstate near Venice and slammed into a pickup truck at the intersection of Laurel Road and Knights Trail.
🐾 K-9 Brings It to a Halt
Even after the crash, Montero didn’t surrender. Florida Highway Patrol said he fled the scene on foot, running into a wooded area near the crash site. A police K-9 unit was deployed, and after a brief search, the dog located Montero and subdued him with a bite to the leg. He was taken into custody without further incident and treated for the injury before being booked.
💼 What Was in the Car?
The aftermath of the chase revealed even more serious offenses. A search of the vehicle turned up:
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A loaded handgun on the front passenger seat
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A large quantity of cash, suspected to be drug-related proceeds
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Approximately 1,400 THC vape cartridges in the trunk, labeled and packaged for illegal distribution
Authorities believe the cartridges were intended for trafficking, and they are now being tested to confirm potency and content.
Montero was also found to be driving on a suspended license, further compounding his legal troubles.
⚖️ Facing a Long List of Charges
Jorge Montero was booked into the Charlotte County Jail and is currently being held without bond. He faces charges including:
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Fleeing and eluding law enforcement at high speed
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Drug trafficking (THC)
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Possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony
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Reckless driving
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Driving with a suspended license
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Resisting arrest
Montero has pleaded not guilty, according to court records. A public defender has been assigned to his case, and a preliminary hearing is scheduled in the coming weeks.
🚨 A Wake-Up Call for Road Safety
Florida Highway Patrol officials say the case underscores the dangers of high-speed pursuits and the growing use of highways by drug traffickers. “This individual showed zero regard for the lives of innocent drivers,” one FHP spokesperson said. “We’re fortunate this didn’t end in tragedy.”
The 1,400 THC cartridges are believed to have a street value exceeding $35,000. Florida law treats high-volume THC products the same as other narcotics when it comes to trafficking thresholds, making this a serious felony with possible mandatory minimum sentencing.
📍 What Comes Next
Montero’s arrest is the latest in a series of drug trafficking stops involving vape cartridges in South Florida—a trend law enforcement says is increasing due to ease of concealment and transport.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement and federal DEA officials are now reviewing the case for possible expanded charges or interstate ties.
As of now, Montero remains in custody, and the investigation is ongoing.
