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FORT MYERS, Lee County, Fla., Oct. 9, 2026 — A driver was hospitalized after state troopers used a PIT maneuver to end a chase on SR-82 on Thursday night, October 8, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The vehicle rolled onto its side after the maneuver.
Troopers reportedly tried to pull over a speeding vehicle near SR-82 and Ortiz Avenue. The driver took off westbound on SR-82 instead of stopping, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
At the intersection of Veronica S. Shoemaker Boulevard and SR-82, troopers performed a PIT maneuver, a tactic that nudges a fleeing vehicle to spin it out and force it to stop. The car crashed and came to rest on its side.
The driver, identified by detectives as 18-year-old Alan Hernandez Sales, was arrested at the scene. Investigators said his blood alcohol level measured .158, roughly twice the legal limit for driving in Florida. He remained hospitalized and under evaluation following the crash, according to the agency.
Hernandez Sales faces charges of fleeing and eluding law enforcement and driving under the influence. No other injuries were reported.
We wish those injured a full recovery.
Alcohol-Related Crashes in Florida, by the Numbers
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, 8,197 drivers were involved in alcohol-confirmed crashes in 2023. That figure covers only cases where impairment was confirmed through testing, so the real number of alcohol-involved crashes statewide is likely higher.
These crashes usually end differently than typical collisions because impaired drivers react slower and misjudge speed and distance. A driver who has been drinking may fail to brake in time, drift out of a lane, or lose control entirely, turning a routine stop or minor road hazard into a high-speed crash or rollover.
Fleeing from a traffic stop adds another layer of risk on top of impairment. When a driver refuses to stop, law enforcement has to weigh the danger of a chase against the danger of letting an impaired driver stay on the road, which is usually why maneuvers like the PIT tactic get used at lower speeds before a pursuit escalates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do impaired-driving crashes tend to be more serious than other crashes?
Alcohol slows reaction time and affects judgment, so impaired drivers usually fail to brake or steer away from danger until it's too late, which tends to increase both crash speed and severity.
Does impairment only come from alcohol?
No. Prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and illegal substances can all slow reaction time and affect coordination and judgment behind the wheel, and FHP and other agencies test for a range of substances, not just alcohol.
What are some warning signs of an impaired driver on the road?
Weaving between lanes, driving well under or over the speed limit, delayed braking, and erratic turns or stops are common signs. Drivers who notice this behavior are generally advised to keep their distance and alert law enforcement rather than attempt to pass or confront the vehicle.
How exactly does alcohol affect driving ability?
Alcohol slows the brain's processing speed, impairs depth perception and coordination, and reduces a driver's ability to track multiple things at once, such as speed, lane position, and surrounding traffic.
What to Do After a DUI-Related Crash in Fort Myers, FL
If you're involved in a crash you believe involved an impaired driver, call 911 right away and stay as safe a distance from traffic as possible while waiting for help. Even if you feel fine, a medical check is a good idea since adrenaline can mask pain from injuries like whiplash or internal bruising.
Make sure a police report is filed and get the report number before leaving the scene, since this becomes the official record of what happened. Take photos of the vehicles, the road, and any visible injuries if you're able to safely do so.
Fort Myers has resources through Lee County law enforcement and local hospitals for anyone affected by a DUI-related crash, and following up with your own doctor in the days after is worthwhile even if initial injuries seem minor.
