News Summary
A 31-year-old Tampa resident, Brandon Ramnarine, is recovering from injuries after a high-speed police chase ended in a fiery crash on the Gandy Bridge. The incident occurred early on May 4, 2025, when Ramnarine was driving at speeds exceeding 100 MPH before being pursued by law enforcement. After a successful PIT maneuver by troopers, his vehicle crashed into a light pole and caught fire. Ramnarine faces serious charges for fleeing and reckless driving, emphasizing the dangers of such pursuits.
Tampa, Florida – A 31-year-old man from Tampa named Brandon Ramnarine is recovering from non-life-threatening injuries following a high-speed chase that ended in a fiery crash on the Gandy Bridge early Sunday morning, May 4, 2025.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the incident began at around 1:00 a.m. when Ramnarine was driving a Toyota Supra eastbound across the bridge and was clocked at 93 MPH in a 55 MPH speed zone. When law enforcement attempted to stop him, Ramnarine fled, pushing his speed to exceed 100 MPH.
Pursuit and Collision
The FHP trooper initiated a pursuit, which escalated as Ramnarine evaded arrest while driving at dangerous speeds. At the east end of the Gandy Bridge, the trooper successfully executed a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver, allowing the officer to tactically disable the speeding vehicle. This maneuver caused the Toyota Supra to rotate onto the shoulder of the bridge.
As a result of the collision, the Supra crashed into a light pole and subsequently caught fire. Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene, where both Ramnarine and his 32-year-old male passenger were treated for their injuries. They were taken to a local hospital for further medical care.
Charges Filed
Following the incident, Ramnarine was charged with fleeing and eluding at high speed. This type of charge typically signifies a serious offense, particularly given the high risks associated with reckless driving and evasion of law enforcement.
Background on the Incident
The Gandy Bridge, connecting Tampa and Saint Petersburg, has been a focal point for both traffic and law enforcement due to its busy thoroughfares. High-speed pursuits are inherently dangerous, not only for the individuals involved but also for other road users. The execution of police maneuvers such as the PIT is a method intended to minimize the risk of harm during such dangerous situations.
In this instance, the FHP emphasized that they prioritize public safety during pursuits. The use of the PIT maneuver is regulated and requires specific conditions to be met in order to be executed safely. Ensuring minimal disruption and risk to other drivers on the road is a crucial consideration during police engagement of fleeing suspects.
Brandon Ramnarine’s incident serves as a reminder of the severe consequences that can arise from high-speed vehicle pursuits and reckless driving. Law enforcement agencies continually strive to address these dangerous trends on Florida roads, reinforcing the importance of adherence to traffic laws.
Further investigations will likely take place as authorities review the incident and its contributing factors. The details surrounding the event are currently under the jurisdiction of the Florida Highway Patrol, which is responsible for maintaining safety on the state’s highways.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- FOX 13 News
- Wikipedia: High-speed pursuit
- Iontb
- Google Search: high-speed chase Florida
- Pasco News Online
- Google Scholar: police chase manoeuvres
- Click Orlando
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Vehicular high-speed pursuits
- Iontb
- Google News: Florida high-speed chase
