Bond set at $20,000 for woman arrested in Gateway after DUI high-speed chase
A Windermere, Florida, woman charged with several counts after authorities say she led them in a high-speed pursuit that started on Interstate 75 and ended in Gateway faces a five-figure bond.
Cecilia Elise Hoffman, 21, had her first court appearance Friday and faces a $20,000 bond. She's charged with DUI; fleeing and eluding law enforcement; resisting without violence; and reckless driving.
Early Thursday, Florida Highway Patrol troopers said they observed a BMW traveling more than 145 mph on northbound Interstate 75, in Lee County.
Prior coverage: Woman reached speeds of 145 mph on I-75, 120 mph in Gateway
As troopers attempted to stop Hoffman's BMW, she exited Interstate 75 at State Road 82, and began to travel east, attempting to evade the traffic stop.
Troopers said Hoffman continued to drive recklessly, reaching speeds of more than 120 mph near Colonial Boulevard.
Authorities said they performed a successful Precision Immobilization Technique Maneuver on Hoffman's BMW at State Road 82, near Griffin Drive, in Gateway, disabling her car. She came to rest near Gateway High School.
The incident, captured by troopers on video, shows how authorities immobilized Hoffman's car around 2:20 a.m. Thursday.
Moments before authorities applied the immobilization technique, the footage shows Hoffman swerved in her lane, stepping on the brakes.
Troopers then immobilized Hoffman's car.
The video shows Hoffman exited her car and attempted to flee on foot. As she opened the door and began to run, troopers ordered three times for Hoffman to stay in her car.
Troopers apprehended Hoffman.
FHP State Troopers stopped this impaired driver on State Road 82 early this morning.
The impaired driver was observed traveling at speeds of 145 mph on Interstate 75 and 120 mph on State Road 82, refusing to stop for law enforcement.
NEVER DRIVE IMPAIRED! pic.twitter.com/9OjvAHC72s— FHP Southwest Florida (@FHPSWFL) December 21, 2023
Hoffman is next due in court Jan. 22 for her arraignment.
She's one of at least five arrested for street racing in Lee County since Oct. 30.
Tomas Rodriguez is a Breaking/Live News Reporter for the Naples Daily News and The News-Press. You can reach Tomas at TRodriguez@gannett.com or 772-333-5501. Connect with him on Threads @tomasfrobeltran, Instagram @tomasfrobeltran and Facebook @tomasrodrigueznews.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Bond set for woman who drove 145 mph on I-75, 120 mph down SR-82
