DUI suspect leads Marion Sheriff's deputies on 120 mph chase

A suspected drunk driver was arrested by the Marion County Sheriff's Office after a deputy used spike strips to end a high-speed chase.

On Saturday, June 1, an MCSO deputy observed a burgundy BMW sedan traveling southbound on Highway 441. As he drove behind the car, the deputy saw it leave the roadway and head toward a grassy median, according to the arrest report.

The deputy activated the patrol vehicle's emergency lights and attempted to conduct a traffic stop in the 6500 block of S Pine Avenue in Ocala. Instead of stopping, the report said the driver of the BMW, later identified as Alexander Luis Jimenez-Torres, continued south on Pine Avenue without slowing down.

When the deputy activated the patrol vehicle's siren, Jimenez-Torres continued south while passing a red light at the intersection of S Pine Avenue and SE 80th Street. He then “rapidly accelerated,” reaching speeds in excess of 120 miles per hour, according to the report.

Another deputy successfully deployed spike strips in the 5300 block of S Pine Avenue, which punctured the BMW's tires. The report stated the vehicle then entered the parking lot of a closed gas station and Jimenez-Torres exited the driver's side of the vehicle before fleeing on foot.

Jimenez-Torres ran around a nearby McDonald's and one of the deputies quickly caught up with him. According to the report, Jimenez-Torres was then tasered and held in handcuffs.

Inside Jimenez-Torres' BMW, deputies found a clear cup containing a “golden/brown liquid” that was still cold and had a “strong odor of an alcoholic beverage.”

Jimenez-Torres was arrested and transported to the Marion County Jail. During an interview conducted at the facility, the report stated Jimenez-Torres had “slurred speech” and “red, watery, bloodshot eyes” and that his breath reportedly smelled of alcohol.

According to the report, Jimenez-Torres refused to perform field sobriety exercises and further refused to provide a breath sample. After being read his Miranda rights, he said he fled the traffic stop because he “didn't want to go to jail.”

A computer search of Jimenez-Torres' driver's license revealed that he was suspended indefinitely in 2019 due to failure to complete drug treatment. Additionally, a criminal history search showed he had previous convictions for driving on a suspended or revoked license in Marion County (2011), grand larceny in Palm Beach County (2014), and habitual driving with a suspended or revoked license in Sumter County. (2019).

Jimenez-Torres was released from the Marion County Jail the next day after posting $9,500 bond. He is accused of fleeing at high speed to elude a law enforcement officer; driving with a suspended or revoked license (3rd offense or repeat offense); driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol or drugs; and resisting an officer without violence.

A court date is scheduled for Tuesday, July 2 at 9 a.m., according to jail records.