BREAKING NEWS: Three-car accident on Okaloosa Island shuts down U.S. 98 (UPDATED with PHOTOS)
OKALOOSA ISLAND — A van fleeing from an Okaloosa County Sheriff's deputy patrol car crashed around 3:30 p.m. today, shutting down the eastbound and westbound lanes of U.S. Highway 98.
A person returning home to a residence on Indian Trail in Destin noticed an open fence gate at their home and spotted a white male jumping over the fence.
Suspecting a burglary, the person called law enforcement and reported seeing a possible perpetrator and described a white van that could be a suspect vehicle, said Michele Nicholson, spokeswoman for the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office.
Later, a deputy spotted the van and attempted to make a traffic stop. The man driving fled towards Fort Walton Beach at high speeds and crashed near Marler Bridge, Nicholson said. Two or possibly three vehicles were involved in the accident.
A medical helicopter was called to the scene, but was canceled due to the weather. According to Nicholson, the van's driver suffered serious injuries and was transferred to a hospital in Pensacola by ambulance.
A second burglary suspect is thought to be on foot somewhere in the area of the Nighttown club, Nicholson said. The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the accident.
