Newly released dashcam video from the Florida Highway Patrol captures a trooper pursuing a street takeover suspect at speeds reaching 140 mph.
The incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. Saturday when hundreds of vehicles blocked all northbound lanes of Interstate 75 in Thonotosassa, near mile marker 266. The patrol vehicle encountered a standstill with drivers exiting their cars and others scrambling back behind the wheel.
After motorists slowly moved aside, the trooper accelerated after a fleeing green BMW driven by 25-year-old Yulian Lugo. Authorities stated Lugo reached approximately 140 mph, double the posted speed limit, before exiting the interstate.
The chase continued into a residential neighborhood, where Lugo eventually pulled over. The trooper arrested Lugo and charged him with aggravated fleeing to elude and participating in a street takeover, both felony offenses. Three passengers—a 24-year-old and two 18-year-olds—were also arrested and charged with misdemeanor highway racing. All four were booked into the Hillsborough County Jail.
Investigators said the street takeover began when hundreds of vehicles blocked the interstate, with participants allegedly performing stunts. As law enforcement arrived, many vehicles dispersed, leading to the pursuit captured in the footage. This incident is the latest in a series of street takeover events that have drawn increased attention from Florida law enforcement this summer. In June, St. Augustine Beach Police thwarted a planned takeover after identifying online plans, and earlier this year, Orlando police released video of e-bike riders swarming downtown streets, causing traffic disruptions.