[vove]

This was posted on the Rennlist board.


Black Porsche sought in trooper's death
By Jeff Libby
Sentinel Staff Writer

October 6, 2004

Investigators were searching Tuesday for a black Porsche that witnesses say was drag racing at speeds of more than 100 mph shortly before a state trooper crashed and was killed Saturday as he tried to overtake the car and a motorcycle.

The initial call to police described the car as a red Porsche 911, but investigators say subsequent interviews with witnesses at the accident site on Interstate 4 in Volusia County suggest that the Porsche is probably a color closer to black than red.

Trooper Darryl L. Haywood's fatal crash may have been caused by a puncture in the right rear tire of his 2002 Chevrolet Camaro cruiser, Florida Highway Patrol spokeswoman Kim Miller said. But investigators have not yet determined what caused the puncture, Miller said.

Haywood's cruiser slid more than 860 feet and was still traveling at 60 mph when it crashed into a tree, according to court testimony given Monday by a state trooper in an unrelated case.

Donald Williams, 38, of Seffner, the driver of the 1999 Suzuki Hayabusa 1300 motorcycle -- considered the fastest production motorcycle ever built -- remained in St. Johns County Jail without bail Tuesday. Deputies in St. Johns County charged Williams with aggravated fleeing and eluding and reckless driving Saturday after they observed him driving northbound on Interstate 95 at more than 150 mph about two hours after the crash in Volusia County.

Investigators are still compiling a timeline of events in an attempt to determine whether Haywood caught up with Williams or the driver of the Porsche.

A memorial service for Haywood is planned for Thursday in Daytona Beach.

[Jase007]

From the initial facts I would have thought the outcome would be different. Porshe guy in jail and Hayabusa guy laughing as he motored away at 190+mph.

Sad result for the trooper's family. An 860 foot slide ... I wonder how you determine the tire lost air pressure after shredding / scubbing itself for 860ft.

Jason

[Jim Richards]

Agree about it being sad for the Trooper's family.

I'm surprised that anyone conducts such a high speed chase. I thought radio waves were much faster, and effective when combined with the well placed road block.

[BlackTalon]

I think there are a lot of wide-open roads down in that area where people routinely cruise at 100 - 125 mph. I heard stories about it from my sister when she lived in that area a couple years ago. She was in a high-speed train once when 5 - 7 cars were pulled over

[markwemple]

Just another reason why I abhore high speed chases. Sad to say that part of me is glad that the only one killed was the cop. Usually its the other way around and the cop is never blamed. He should have used the radio and more of his buddies. He would still be alive. Of course, the Porsche driver will be wrongly blamed. I have seen in NY on the thru-way where the troopers closed exits, partially blocked off the lanes and put down those tire strips to stop a high spped car instead of chasing it. Worked everytime and no-one was hurt!

[Richard Curtis]

If the Porsche driver was racing, he would be RIGHTLY blamed. It's sad when anyone dies from sheer stupidity (racing on public highways), regardless of what they're driving or who is to blame. The death of any highway patrolman is a great tragedy. Just my 2 cents worth.

[Jim Richards]

Well said, Richard.

[markwemple]

Unfortunately, though, most of these incidents precipitate from a police officer beligerently persuing a chase even though the speeds keep increasing instead of calling for assistance and keeping the safety of others the paramount thought in his or her minds.

[Parenn911]

It is sad to hear such a terrible loss over what should have been a routine stop. It's a shame when anyone gets killed because of another person being stupid on the road. I don't know the details but as Mark and Jim said there are many other effective ways to catch someone than brute force, or the predator/prey adrenaline rush approach. Why risk harming innocent civilians ? My 3 cents.

[scott]

What colr is that guys 911 turbo in Florida...he posts on pelican...about some underground drag racing....dark blue ... I think? yuk....