Florida Fugitive Takes GSP On Lengthy High Speed Chase | Ends Up In The Ditch

On 5/8/2022, at approximately 15:43, I was on routine patrol traveling West on State Route 27 inside
the City of Baxley. I observed the driver of a black Nissan Armada to not have his seat belt on. This
driver was later identified as Mr. Bernard Gary McQueen. I activated my emergency equipment and
attempted to make a traffic stop for this violation. The vehicle immediately turned right onto S. Oak
Street and then left onto NE Park Avenue. I notified Troop I communications that the vehicle was not
stopping and I was now in a vehicle pursuit. After the Black Nissan crossed the railroad crossing at NE
Park Avenue, it made a right onto Anthony and then a left onto Holmesville Avenue. McQueen then
proceeded south on City Circle at excessive speeds, running stop signs, and driving recklessly.
McQueen then traveled onto City Circle Road, ran a stop sign, and turned left onto State Route 15.
McQueen traveled South on State Route 15 while exceeding speeds over 100mph. McQueen was
unable to maintain his lane while traveling on State Route 15. McQueen ran several vehicles off the
roadway near the intersection of State Route 203. He then began traveling on the wrong side of the
roadway and overtaking multiple vehicles at a time. While driving, McQueen waved a black object in his
hand that I believed to be a cell phone. McQueen almost caused several accidents on State Route 15.
It was apparent to me, McQueen showed no regard for the safety of the public, others traveling on the highways, me, or himself. McQueen reached speeds exceeding 100mph while overtaking vehicles in
the southbound and northbound lanes. The danger caused by allowing McQueen to continue to flee,
far exceeded the possible danger of terminating the pursuit. Because I was alone and had no officers
ahead of me to deploy "Stop Sticks", I made the decision to terminate the pursuit using the Precision
Immobilization Technique (P.I.T.). Furthermore, I knew we were quickly approaching the City of
Blackshear and I did not want to allow a dangerous pursuit to enter a congested traffic area.
In the vicinity of Well Road and State Route 15, I attempted to match speeds with McQueen’s vehicle
to perform the precision immobilization technique (P.I.T maneuver), but McQueen swerved toward my
patrol car in attempt to block my movements. I notified Troop I communications McQueen failed to
maintain his lane while exceeding the speed limit. McQueen had to be stopped before entering the next
town. When we approached Moore Street in Pierce County, McQueen ran a red light. At the
intersection of Magnolia Street, I was able to set up and successfully execute the P.I.T.
The P.I.T. was successful and McQueen’s vehicle rolled several times before coming to a final rest on
the east shoulder of State Route 15, facing south. McQueen almost immediately exited the vehicle and
proceeded to flee on foot east of State Route 15 into a small, wooded area with a creek. McQueen was
apprehended by two Blackshear Police officers and myself. As I was checking on McQueen to make
sure he is not injured, I could smell a strong odor of alcoholic beverage coming for his person.
McQueen had bloodshot and watery eyes and slurred speech.
Once McQueen was brought back to my patrol car, he was checked out by Pierce County EMS. I then
read him the Miranda warning and asked if he would speak to me. He advised me he would not. I then
asked McQueen how old he was and he advised he was 30. I read him the Implied Consent Notice for
Suspects Age 21 or Over and requested blood. McQueen stated, “no”. Officer James with the
Blackshear Police Department retrieved several small bags which appeared to be a green leafy
substance, a grinder with residue and a bag of small pills. Officer James also retrieved a Glock pistol
from the floorboard. Troop I communications notified me McQueen was a convicted felon and was
wanted out of Duval County, Florida for "aggravated assault family with a firearm". I transported
McQueen to the Appling County Detention Center where he was released to the Appling County Jail
Staff.