FLORIDA — A Tampa man was arrested Friday afternoon in Polk County after Florida Highway Patrol troopers say he led them on a high-speed chase that ended in a six-vehicle crash.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, 35-year-old Jerell Carr is charged with fleeing to elude law enforcement at high speed, fleeing with disregard for safety causing injury, resisting or obstructing law enforcement without violence, trafficking in fentanyl, possession of cocaine, and possession of marijuana.
Troopers said the incident began around 2:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16, when they attempted to stop a blue Toyota Corolla traveling 61 mph in a 45 mph zone on County Road 540A in Lakeland. Carr initially pulled over, but troopers said he sped away as an officer exited the patrol vehicle to approach the car.
Authorities said the pursuit reached speeds of more than 100 mph. During the chase, Carr allegedly drove against traffic, traveling westbound in eastbound lanes on Cross Creek Boulevard and onto a sidewalk.
The pursuit ended at the intersection of Scott Lake Road, where troopers said Carr attempted to split lanes at a red light and crashed into a dump truck, triggering a six-vehicle collision. Carr was removed from the vehicle and taken into custody. Troopers noted that while being handcuffed, Carr stated he was going to jail for a long time because there were drugs in the car.
A search of the vehicle reportedly uncovered more than 50 grams of cocaine, approximately 20 grams of cannabis, and more than 130 grams of fentanyl.
Carr was transported to the Polk County Jail. According to the arrest report, he was released from prison in June 2025 after serving time for trafficking in amphetamines. Jail records show he has been arrested multiple times since 2010 on various charges, many involving drug offenses and probation violations.
