A routine traffic complaint turned into a high‑speed chase and a police‑led rescue of a toddler on Florida’s I‑95.
Key points
- Baxter ignored multiple police commands and only stopped after a second trooper blocked his path.
- The 3‑year‑old passenger was safely recovered and placed under her mother’s care.
- Marijuana was discovered in the vehicle, but no DUI charge was filed due to lack of clear impairment evidence.
- The driver now faces four misdemeanor charges and a traffic citation.
According to a Florida Highway Patrol arrest report, 29‑year‑old Jeremiah Baxter continued driving a black Dodge Ram after troopers activated lights and sirens on I‑95 near Boynton Beach, despite a public address command to stop.
Troopers were dispatched after a caller reported the truck swerving, traveling without headlights, and appearing to be driven by someone who was drinking and using a phone. A patrol officer observed the vehicle traveling north without headlights or taillights, following another car too closely, and maintained a speed of about 40 mph in a 65‑mph zone before moving onto the shoulder.
Incident on I‑95 near Boynton Beach
When a second trooper positioned his vehicle in front of the Ram, Baxter finally stopped. The first trooper drew his firearm and repeatedly ordered Baxter to show his hands. Baxter allegedly refused, resisted removal from the truck, and shouted that his daughter was inside. Troopers confirmed a 3‑year‑old was in a rear‑seat car seat; the child's mother arrived shortly thereafter and took custody.
During a subsequent inventory search, officers found two bags containing a total of 2.7 grams of marijuana and pre‑rolled tips in a backpack. Field tests were positive for marijuana, but no alcoholic beverages were discovered. Troopers noted a slight odor of alcohol on Baxter’s breath, reported no other signs of impairment, and did not pursue a DUI charge. Baxter told officers he had not been drinking and delayed stopping because he was on the phone and adjusting a neck pillow for his daughter.
Police response and arrest
Baxter was booked into the Palm Beach County Jail and faces four misdemeanor counts—failure to obey a lawful order, resisting an officer without violence, possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia—plus a civil citation for driving at night without headlights or taillights.
Reader questions
Why was a DUI charge not pursued despite an alcohol odor?
Troopers reported only a slight odor of alcohol on Baxter’s breath and observed no other signs of impairment, so they did not file a DUI charge.
What happened to the child after the arrest?
The child was confirmed to be in a car seat in the rear of the truck; her mother arrived at the scene and took custody of her.
Source: cbs12.com
